spinsterly
Like a maiden aunt
Spinsterly describes qualities associated with a spinster—an older unmarried woman.
The word suggests primness, fussiness, or old-fashioned propriety: She had a spinsterly way of pursing her lips at anything improper.
Like spinster itself, the term carries dated and mildly disparaging connotations, implying someone dried-up or joyless.
Excessively concerned with propriety
- fussyExcessively particular
- dowdyUnstylish in appearance
- frumpyDrab and unstylish
- gossipyInclined to spread rumors
prim · proper · judgmental · puritanical · moralistic · straitlaced · disapproving · censorious
Belonging to earlier times
- datedOld-fashioned or courted
- outmodedNo longer in fashion
- passeNo longer fashionable
- old-maidishPrimly fastidious in manner
Victorian · prim · proper · demure · strait-laced · unfashionable · fusty · stuffy
Not legally wed
unattached · lonely · reclusive · secluded · withdrawn · isolated · cloistered · sequestered
Free from external control
- self-sufficientAble to provide independently
- autonomousSelf-directed and free
- resourcefulSkilled at solving problems
- capableHaving required skills
resilient · self-supporting · determined · industrious · frugal · practical · unconstrained · unfettered
prudish
Excessively concerned with propriety
gossipy · prim · proper · judgmental · puritanical · moralistic · straitlaced · disapproving · censorious · priggish
old-fashioned
Belonging to earlier times
old-maidish · Victorian · prim · proper · demure · strait-laced · unfashionable · fusty · stuffy · bygone
unmarried
Not legally wed
celibate · unattached · lonely · reclusive · secluded · withdrawn · isolated · cloistered · sequestered · independent
independent
Free from external control
- self-sufficientAble to provide independently
- autonomousSelf-directed and free
- resourcefulSkilled at solving problems
capable · resilient · self-supporting · determined · industrious · frugal · practical · unconstrained · unfettered · self-directed
spinsterlyvivacious
Attractively energetic and enthusiastic
flirtatious · coquettish · carefree · fun-loving · sociable