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Glite Dictionary
👩 Female-related 👩‍🏫 Women roles 🧶 A spinning tool
distaff

distaff

1 9.8
Relating to women or their traditional roles
  • adjective
  • /ˈdɪstæf/
  • Archaic
: femenino
  • She wrote a book chronicling the distaff side of her family's history.

Examples

  • The committee was dominated by its distaff members, who often shaped the agenda.

  • During the awards season, the distaff categories garnered significant attention from the media.

  • Her interests are mostly distaff in nature.

  • The distaff role in the household has evolved over time.

  • The distaff side of the family often organizes gatherings to celebrate their heritage.

  • In many cultures, the distaff perspective is essential for understanding women's contributions.

  • The film highlighted the distaff experiences of women during the war.

Synonyms

female
vsdistaff
∞ 1.0

Relating to women and animals that can have babies or lay eggs

is about social or role related aspects rather than biological sex
feminine
vsdistaff
148 3.4

Having style or qualities people often connect with women

is about relating to women or their social roles generally

Antonyms

male
665 1.0

Having qualities typical of men or boys

masculine
87 3.7

Having qualities people often connect with men, for example strength and toughness

Surface Forms

distaff positive

Etymology

Distaff originally named the 'woman's staff' used for spinning; the part dis- meant 'woman' and staff meant 'stick'. So distaff came to mean something that relates to women.