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Gentle Sex

What Does "Gentle Sex" Mean?

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"Gentle sex" is an English idiom. It is a somewhat outdated and stereotypical term used to refer to women or females in a polite or courteous manner.

Examples in Sentences

Here are three examples of the idiom "gentle sex" used in a sentence:
  • In the past, some literature and society referred to women as the gentle sex, emphasizing their perceived delicacy.
  • The phrase 'the gentle sex' was often used to describe the behavior and demeanor expected of women in Victorian society.
  • Today, the concept of the gentle sex is seen as a stereotype and is not commonly used.
meaning for gentle sex

What Is an Idiom?

An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "Gentle Sex" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.

An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.

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