heroine
Meaning
a woman who is admired for having done something very brave or having achieved something great
the main female character in a book, film, or play, who is usually good
Structure
Usage
she was hailed as a heroine for her quick thinking during the crisis.
the novel's heroine overcomes immense challenges to find her true destiny.
the film portrays the historical figure not just as a queen, but as a tragic heroine.
Etymology
the word 'heroine' is a direct feminine derivative of 'hero'. it entered english in the mid-17th century from the latin 'heroina', which itself originated from the ancient greek 'hērōinē'. the greek root 'hērōs' originally referred to a figure of superhuman ability or a demigod, often with divine ancestry. by adding the feminine suffix '-ine', the word specifically denotes a female embodiment of the heroic qualities of courage, nobility, and outstanding achievement, a concept later extended to the principal female character in a narrative.
Analysis
hero (from latin hērōs, from greek hērōs, meaning 'demi-god, hero') + ine (from latin -ina, a feminine suffix forming nouns)