What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
maidenish
Example
She had a maidenish charm that made her all the more endearing. [maidenish: adjective]
Example
She blushed at his compliment, displaying a maidenish shyness. [maidenish: adverb]
girlish
Example
She had a girlish giggle that was infectious. [girlish: adjective]
Example
She skipped down the street with a girlish enthusiasm. [girlish: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Girlish is more commonly used than maidenish in everyday language. Girlish is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while maidenish is less common and has a more specific connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between maidenish and girlish?
Maidenish is typically associated with a more formal or literary tone, while girlish is more casual and informal, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.