adj
Uncommon
manly
MAN-lee
Manly (adj) means having qualities traditionally seen as typical of men, such as strength, courage, or toughness. Example: “He gave the wound a manly shrug and kept working.”
adj
1
Having qualities traditionally seen as typical of men, such as strength, courage, or toughness.
"He gave the wound a manly shrug and kept working."
"There was something almost defiantly manly about his refusal to complain."
"The old sailor looked every bit as manly as his weathered beard suggested."
How to use manly
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDisplaying traits stereotypically associated with masculinity, like toughness or courage.
Common pairings
manly pursuits
a manly handshake
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Word forms
- Comparative
- manlier
- Superlative
- manliest
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He gave the wound a _____ shrug and kept working.
Etymology
From Old English, built from man plus the adjective suffix -ly.
Related words
Rhymes for manly
See all rhymes for manly →Frequently asked questions
What does “manly” mean?
The word “manly” means having qualities traditionally seen as typical of men, such as strength, courage, or toughness. In plain terms, displaying traits stereotypically associated with masculinity, like toughness or courage.
How do you pronounce “manly”?
“Manly” is pronounced MAN-lee (/ˈmænli/ in IPA).
How do you use “manly” in a sentence?
Here is “manly” used in a sentence: “He gave the wound a manly shrug and kept working.”
What part of speech is “manly”?
“Manly” is an adjective.
Where does the word “manly” come from?
The word “manly” comes from Old English. From Old English, built from man plus the adjective suffix -ly.
Is “manly” a common word?
“Manly” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between manly and masculine?
Manly specifically emphasizes qualities traditionally associated with men, such as strength, courage, or toughness, often with an approving tone, while masculine is a broader, more neutral term describing traits or characteristics typical of men in general. Masculine can be used in a wider range of contexts, including fashion or design, without the same value judgment.
Is manly considered an old-fashioned word?
Manly can feel somewhat old-fashioned or traditional in tone, since it draws on conventional ideas of masculinity like strength and toughness. It is still used today, but often in contexts that deliberately evoke a classic or traditional sense of masculinity.
What qualities are typically described as manly?
Qualities commonly described as manly include physical strength, courage, toughness, and stoicism, reflecting traits traditionally associated with masculinity. The word is often applied to behavior, appearance, or activities seen as embodying these traits.
