heroine Definition
- 1a woman admired for her courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities
- 2the main female character in a book, play, or movie
Using heroine: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "heroine" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
Joan of Arc is considered a national heroine in France.
Example
The novel's heroine overcomes many obstacles to achieve her goals.
Example
She played the heroine in the action movie.
Example
The heroine of the play is a strong-willed woman who defies societal norms.
heroine Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for heroine
- champion
- protagonist
- star
- idol
- leading lady
Antonyms for heroine
- villainess
- antiheroine
Idioms Using heroine
to be a strong, independent woman who takes control of her own destiny
Example
She may not be famous, but she's a heroine in her own life, having overcome many challenges and obstacles.
to act in a heroic or brave manner, especially in a difficult or dangerous situation
Example
She played the heroine when the car broke down in the middle of nowhere, calmly assessing the situation and coming up with a plan.
a young woman in trouble, often used in reference to a female character in a story who needs to be rescued by a hero
Example
The trope of the damsel in distress has been criticized for perpetuating gender stereotypes and portraying women as weak and helpless.
Phrases with heroine
a female character in a literary work who is destined to meet with downfall or destruction
Example
Shakespeare's Ophelia is a tragic heroine who meets a tragic end.
a woman who has achieved great things but has not received recognition or praise for them
Example
She was an unsung heroine of the civil rights movement.
a female character in an action movie who is tough, skilled, and capable of holding her own in a fight
Example
Sigourney Weaver's portrayal of Ellen Ripley in the Alien franchise is often cited as a groundbreaking example of an action heroine.
Origins of heroine
from Latin 'heroina', feminine of 'heros', meaning 'hero'
Summary: heroine in Brief
The term 'heroine' [ˈhɛrəʊɪn] refers to a woman admired for her courage, achievements, or noble qualities, or the main female character in a book, play, or movie. It can refer to a tragic heroine, an unsung heroine, or an action heroine, and is often used in idioms like 'be a heroine in one's own life' or 'play the heroine.'
