adjective / noun
masculine
MAS-kyuh-lin/ˈmæskjəlɪn/
Associated with males or conventionally male qualities.
His tailored jacket and sturdy boots give him a traditionally masculine look.
Etymology
The Latin pieces express “pertaining to males.” The meaning shifted from identifying male sex or grammatical gender to describing physical and mental qualities traditionally considered characteristic of men.
In context
very masculine businesses most businesses are run by men
More examples
- She speaks in a deep voice that sounds masculine.
- Different cultures consider different qualities masculine.
- The French word for “book” is masculine.
- In Spanish, this adjective changes from the masculine to the feminine.
Forms
masculine · more masculine · most masculine · masculines
masculinity noun — Qualities traditionally associated with men or boys.
Similar words
- male
- Refers to sex rather than conventionally male qualities.
- manly
- Usually praises qualities such as courage traditionally associated with men.