Connotative difference between and "Lady" and a "Woman"?

Question

I'm writing an essay for my AP English class and I'd like to hear what you all believe the connotative (not in regards to the exact definition) difference is between the term lady and woman is :) Thank you!

Answer 1

Lady points to behaviour,woman points to age

Answer 2

A lady is respectable; she acts ladylike in all circumstances.

A woman is a female adult human being; she may, or may not, be a lady.

Answer 3

Woman is also more of a reference to s*x, and I don't mean gender, but more experience.  Lady, while noble and distinguished by actions, also has an upper class, snooty, connotation.  Not to say that "woman" has the opposite connotation.  

I don't know if you are trying to compare these or contrast them.  To me they are apples and oranges.  You can be a woman, using my ideas above, and a lady, also using my ideas (and those of the previous poster).  They are not mutually exclusive.

However, I would not want someone to say to me, "What do you want, woman?"  That is an even coarser connotation than that of experience.  That's saying, you are not even worthy of having a name.  However, "Good evening, my lady." Is more genteel and kinder.  Recognizing that there is a manner about you that is polite and refined.

Just my ideas, hope it helps!

Answer 4

I think the connotation is that a "Lady" is more important, respected, or in literary terms more genteel than a "Woman".  If you aren't interested in exact definitions and "titles", then the only other difference is that addressing (or referring to) a woman as a lady is more courteous.

(and there seem to be a lot more women than ladies in the KJV bible.)

Answer 5

Woman by birth, Lady by choice of actions..

Answer 6

"Lady" implies a certain level of class, or sophistication.  Also a certain dainty-ness, or feminine qualitiy.

"Woman" may imply many things based on its context; it's more versatile in usage.  For example, in some situations it can imply strength or independence.

Answer 7

Woman and or Lady can be used in combination referring to a female.  Also, can be a separate meaning as followed.

Lady - is a  female women who is refined, polite and well-spoken.  Having class.

Woman - An adult female.