anti-feminists

anti-feminists

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Pronunciation

anti-feminists /ˌæntɪˈfɛmənɪsts/

• an- /ˌæn/:

• /æ/ - short "a" sound, as in "cat"

• /n/ - "n" sound, as in "no"

• -ti- /tɪ/:

• /t/ - "t" sound, in this case, a flapped "t" sometimes, but typically a clear "t"

• /ɪ/ - short "i" sound, as in "sit"

• -fem- /fɛm/:

• /f/ - "f" sound, as in "fan"

• /ɛ/ - short "e" sound, as in "bed"

• /m/ - "m" sound, as in "me"

• -i- /ə/:

• /ə/ - schwa sound, a relaxed "uh" sound, as in "about"

• -nists /nɪsts/:

• /n/ - "n" sound, as in "no"

• /ɪ/ - short "i" sound, as in "sit"

• /s/ - "s" sound, as in "sun"

• /t/ - "t" sound, as in "top"

• /s/ - "s" sound, as in "sun"

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Word Form Variations

• Singular Noun: anti-feminist

• Plural Noun: anti-feminists

• Adjective: anti-feminist

• Adverb: anti-feministically (less common, but possible)

• Abstract Noun (related concept): anti-feminism

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Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms

Noun

• Anti-feminist (singular): An individual who actively opposes or criticizes the principles, goals, or progress of feminism, often believing that feminist movements harm traditional societal structures, gender roles, or the interests of men.

• Synonyms: traditionalist (in some contexts), gender traditionalist, male chauvinist (if also exhibiting sexism)

• Antonyms: feminist, pro-feminist, gender egalitarian

• Anti-feminists (plural): A group of individuals who share a common opposition to or criticism of feminist ideals and initiatives.

• Synonyms: opponents of feminism, critics of feminism

• Antonyms: feminists, pro-feminists

Adjective

• Anti-feminist: Characterized by or expressing opposition to feminist principles, objectives, or the feminist movement.

• Synonyms: anti-women's rights (in some contexts), patriarchal (if reinforcing male dominance), traditionalist (regarding gender roles)

• Antonyms: feminist, pro-feminist, egalitarian, progressive (in a gender context)

Adverb

• Anti-feministically: In a manner that is opposed to or critical of feminist principles.

• Synonyms: oppositionally to feminism, in a patriarchal manner

• Antonyms: feministically, pro-feministically, progressively (in a gender context)

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Examples of Use

Books

• "The authors explore how conservative media outlets often amplify the voices of anti-feminist commentators, contributing to a broader cultural backlash against gender equality." (From a sociological study on media and gender, likely published in the last decade)

• "In her memoir, the activist recounts the relentless online harassment she received from anti-feminist groups following her public advocacy for women's reproductive rights." (From a contemporary non-fiction book)

Newspapers

• "A recent op-ed in The New York Times highlighted the enduring influence of anti-feminist thought in contemporary political discourse, particularly concerning legislation related to childcare and parental leave." ( The New York Times, April 2024)

• "Protesters gathered outside the capitol, clashing with a smaller counter-protest organized by self-proclaimed anti-feminists who argued for a return to 'traditional' gender roles." (The Guardian, September 2023)

Online Publications

• "BuzzFeed News examined the rise of 'incel' communities online, noting their strong anti-feminist rhetoric and deep-seated misogyny." (BuzzFeed News, February 2023)

• "An article on The Cut discussed how some fashion trends are perceived as either empowering or, conversely, as perpetuating anti-feminist ideals depending on their context and wearer." (The Cut, June 2024)

Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms

• Documentary: "The documentary 'She's Beautiful When She's Angry' chronicles the history of second-wave feminism, touching upon the significant anti-feminist backlash that emerged in response to its gains." (A historical documentary, widely available on streaming platforms)

• TV Series Dialogue: "He's always spouting some anti-feminist nonsense. I just tune him out." (Fictional dialogue from a contemporary drama series, reflecting common usage)

• Podcast: "On a recent episode of 'Stuff You Should Know,' the hosts delved into the history of the Equal Rights Amendment, detailing the concerted efforts of anti-feminist organizations to prevent its ratification." (A popular educational podcast, often discussing historical social movements)

General Public Discourse

• "During a public forum on gender equality, one audience member vocally expressed anti-feminist views, arguing that feminism had gone 'too far' and was detrimental to family values."

• "Many online discussions about pop culture figures quickly devolve into debates between feminists and anti-feminists, especially when the celebrity in question takes a stance on social issues."

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10 Famous Quotes Using Anti-feminists

1. "Feminism is hated because women are hated. Antifeminism is a direct expression of misogyny; it is the political defense of woman hating." (Andrea Dworkin, Right-Wing Women)

2. "So much of feminism has been women speaking up about hitherto unacknowledged experiences, and so much of antifeminism has been men telling them these things didn't happen." (Source: Goodreads, from an unattributed quote)

3. "No man is as anti-feminist as a really feminine woman." (Frank O'Connor)

4. "Almost everyone who does not identify as a feminist has a shared delusion of the man-hating Angry Feminist." (Helen Aadnesgaard, Quote This Woman+, December 2020)

5. "A common tactic of anti-feminists is to dismiss legitimate concerns as overreactions." (Original)

6. "Historically, anti-feminists have often argued that women's roles are naturally confined to the domestic sphere." (Original)

7. "Online forums frequently become battlegrounds where feminists and anti-feminists clash over gender issues." (Original)

8. "Some anti-feminists maintain that modern feminism has alienated women from men and traditional family structures." (Original)

9. "The movement faced stiff opposition from various anti-feminists who sought to preserve existing power dynamics." (Original)

10. "Despite their differing motivations, many anti-feminists share a common goal of undermining feminist progress." (Original)

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Etymology

The word "anti-feminists" is quite straightforward in its origins. It's a combination of two parts:

1. "Anti-": This is a very old and common prefix that comes from Greek. It essentially means "against," "opposite," or "opposed to." You see it in many English words like "antibiotic" (against life), "antidote" (against a given remedy), or "antifreeze" (against freezing).

2. "Feminist": This word refers to a person who believes in or advocates for feminism. The term "feminism" itself emerged in the late 19th century, advocating for the social, political, and economic equality of the sexes. It stems from the Latin word "femina," meaning "woman."

So, when you put "anti-" and "feminists" together, the meaning is literally "those who are against feminists" or "those who are opposed to feminism."

The first known use of the word "anti-feminist" (in its singular form, and then later as the plural "anti-feminists") appeared in the 1890s, specifically around 1899. It was recorded in publications like the North American Review.

At that time, the meaning of "anti-feminist" was precisely what it implies: a person who was against the growing movement for women's rights and equality. This was a period when the "first wave" of feminism was gaining momentum, pushing for things like women's suffrage (the right to vote), educational opportunities, and property rights. As a response to these demands, a counter-movement emerged, and the term "anti-feminist" was coined to describe those who resisted these changes, often believing that women's roles were naturally different from men's and that societal harmony depended on maintaining traditional gender structures.

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Phrases + Idioms Containing Anti-feminists

1. "The rise of the anti-feminists": Refers to an increase in the number or prominence of individuals or groups opposing feminist ideals.

2. "Catering to anti-feminists": Implies making decisions or taking actions that appease or favor those who oppose feminism.

3. "A magnet for anti-feminists": Describes a person, idea, or platform that attracts individuals with anti-feminist views.

4. "Riding the anti-feminist wave": Suggests adopting or benefiting from a popular sentiment or backlash against feminism.

5. "To preach to the choir of anti-feminists": (Original, similar to "preach to the choir") Means to express views that are already accepted by a group of anti-feminist individuals.

6. "Fighting the tide of anti-feminists": (Original) Describes an effort to resist or counter a strong movement or trend of anti-feminist sentiment.

7. "A haven for traditionalists": (Using a synonym) Describes a place or group that welcomes those with conservative views on gender roles, often aligning with anti-feminist stances.

8. "Sticking to their patriarchal guns": (Using a synonym, idiom) Refers to individuals (who might be anti-feminists) stubbornly maintaining beliefs that uphold male dominance despite opposing views.

9. "Swimming against the current of progress for gender equality": (Idiomatic, describing actions of anti-feminists) Implies resisting societal advancements towards gender equality.

10. "Playing the 'gender wars' card": (Idiomatic, describing a tactic often used by those with anti-feminist leanings) Refers to framing discussions about gender as a conflict between men and women, often to dismiss feminist arguments.

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Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA

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Source Information

Definition of anti-feminists from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.

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