cinderella Definition
a girl who is treated badly by her family but who later becomes very happy or successful, especially because of something good that happens to her by chance.
Using cinderella: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "cinderella" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
She was a cinderella story, going from a small-town girl to a Hollywood star.
Example
The team's unexpected victory was a cinderella story.
Example
The company's rise to success was a cinderella story.
cinderella Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for cinderella
- underdog
- rags-to-riches story
- success story
- fairytale ending
Phrases with cinderella
a term used to describe women who have an unconscious desire to be taken care of by others, often leading to feelings of helplessness and dependency
Example
Her cinderella complex made it difficult for her to assert herself in the workplace.
a phenomenon where stepchildren are at a higher risk of abuse than biological children
Example
Studies have shown that the cinderella effect is a real and concerning issue in many families.
a law that criminalizes emotional abuse of children by their parents or caregivers
Example
The cinderella law was passed in response to a number of high-profile cases of child abuse in the country.
Origins of cinderella
from French 'Cendrillon', meaning 'little ashes'
Summary: cinderella in Brief
The term 'cinderella' [ˌsɪndəˈrɛlə] refers to a person, usually a girl, who is treated poorly by her family but later becomes successful or happy due to a chance event. It is often used to describe rags-to-riches stories, such as a small-town girl becoming a Hollywood star. The term also extends into phrases like 'cinderella complex,' which describes an unconscious desire to be taken care of by others, and 'cinderella effect,' which refers to the higher risk of abuse faced by stepchildren.
