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Unit 4 Vocabulary: Speaking of Gender

Most definitions and example sentences are taken from either the Merrium-Webster Online Learnerss Dictionary or the NorthStar 3 Reading and Writing Book (3rd Edition)

Gender
Noun: the state of being male or female Gender is a basic part of our identity.

Feminine
Adjective: having qualities commonly associated with women
Do women use a feminine speaking style?

Masculine
Adjective: having qualities commonly associated with men
Do men use a masculine speaking style?

Identity
Noun: who someone is; sense of self Gender is a basic part of our identity.

Reflect
Verb: 1. show or represent an image of something
The mirror is reflecting the kittens image. Gender differences can be reflected in the ways men and women use language. (often used to be reflected)

1. to think carefully about something


- In this unit we will reflect on the differences between men and women.

Influence
Synonyms: affect, impact Verb: to affect or change someone or something
When she wants to influence her friends, she uses different language.

Noun: the power to change or affect someone or something


Friends can be a good or bad influence.

Lady-like
Adjective: showing the characteristics of a lady a well-bred woman
My mom wants me to be lady-like.

Gossip
Verb: to talk about the personal lives of other
The girls are gossiping.

Noun: information about the lives of other people or a person who gossips
She is the topic of a lot of gossip. He is a terrible gossip.

The dirt
Noun: negative gossip
We would get together and share the dirt on everyone.

Juicy
Adjective: 1. Containing a lot of juice
- This is a juicy orange.

2. Very interesting
- This is juicy gossip.

Rough and tough


Adjective: having a strong manner that lacks gentleness
The mother didnt want her daughter to be rough and tough.

Blunt
Synonym: direct Adjective: saying something in a very direct way (that may upset some people)

To be blunt, I find her annoying.

Compete
Verb: to try to get or win something that someone else is also trying to win Which gender uses language more often to compete with each other?

the womens movement


Noun: a movement in support of womens rights. The is a good example of how language has changed in recent years, partly as a result of the womens movement.

Emphasize
Synonym: highlight, focus attention on Verb: to give special attention to something How do men and women use language to emphasize different things?

Status
Noun: 1. level or position compared to others
- Joys status will depend on her circle of friends.

2. the current state of something or someone


- What does her facebook status say?

Fairly
Synonym: equally Adverb: In a way that:
follows the rules or standards, is right or proper, or does not favor some over others

She treats everyone fairly. Is it true that one gender is more interested in playing fairly?

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