Definition

The quality of being flirtatious or playful in a way that is intended to attract attention or admiration.

Example

Her coquettishness made her the center of attention at the party.

Conversation

Have you noticed her coquettishness at the party last night?

Yeah, it was hard to miss! She really knows how to play that up.

I wonder if she does it on purpose or if it's just her nature.

It feels pretty intentional to me; she definitely enjoys the attention.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Coquettishness → It is formed from "coquette" (from French, meaning a flirtatious woman) and "-ish" (meaning having the quality of) combined with the suffix "-ness" (meaning the state or quality of). The word "coquettishness" refers to the quality or state of being flirtatious or playful in a teasing manner.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'flirtatious woman' ('coquette') who has the 'quality' ('-ish') of being playful and teasing, which helps you remember that 'coquettishness' describes that flirtatious quality.

Visually Confused Words