heroine
heroine Lexical Profile
heroine Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A woman admired or idealized for her courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities.
"The young nurse became a national heroine after she risked her own safety to rescue patients during the flood."
The chief female character in a book, play, movie, or other narrative work, who is typically identified with good qualities and with whom the audience is expected to sympathize.
"Elizabeth Bennet remains one of the most celebrated heroines in nineteenth-century English literature."
In classical mythology and folklore, a female figure of superhuman strength or divine ancestry who is favored by the gods.
"Ancient Greek myths celebrate Atalanta as a fearless heroine who excelled in hunting and athletics."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'heroine' (a courageous woman or female lead character) with its homophone 'heroin' (the illicit opioid drug). In modern usage, the gender-neutral term 'hero' is also frequently applied to women.
• Rhymes for heroine
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the 17th century via Middle French 'héroïne' and Latin 'heroina', from Ancient Greek 'hērōínē', the feminine derivative of 'hḗrōs' (meaning 'defender' or 'protector').