What does manliness mean?
Manliness is a noun meaning the quality of being manly, particularly courage, strength, determination, firmness, and other qualities traditionally associated with manhood. Historically, the word has often described ideals of male character and behavior, while in modern discussion it may be examined critically for reinforcing narrow or outdated expectations about masculinity. It is especially common in literary, historical, cultural, and argumentative contexts rather than in everyday neutral description. The related adjective manly is similarly used when speaking about traditional masculine qualities, although it can sound formal or antiquated. Manliness should not be treated as a complete synonym for masculinity: masculinity concerns male sex or gender identity more broadly, whereas manliness focuses on a particular set of character traits. The word remains useful when discussing how societies have defined courage, responsibility, dignity, and emotional restraint as masculine ideals.
nounThe quality of being manly, especially in the traditional sense of possessing courage, strength, resolve, or firmness of character. The term can reflect traditional ideas about masculinity and is sometimes used critically when those ideas are restrictive or outdated.
- The quality of being manly, especially in the traditional sense of possessing courage, strength, resolve, or firmness of character.
- By extension, the qualities or social ideals traditionally regarded as characteristic of men.
"His quiet determination was often mistaken for a lack of confidence, though it was plainly a form of manliness."
"The old story celebrated action and physical courage as the highest expressions of manliness."
"She challenged him to define manliness without resorting to stereotypes or excluding tenderness."
The plural is grammatically regular but uncommon; the word is normally used in the singular or with modifiers.
"The competing versions of manlinesses emphasized different ideals of male character."
A word for traditional masculine virtues that can also ask whether those virtues leave room for vulnerability, care, and individuality.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does manliness come from?
Manliness is formed from manly plus the suffix -ness, which creates a noun denoting a quality or state. The older word manly is derived from man, a Germanic word for an adult male, and developed in Middle English with senses connected with having the qualities or status of a man. The family also includes forms such as manhood and manful, reflecting the long-standing use of man- in words concerning male identity and character.
Related word forms
How manliness is actually used
The word is standard in older, formal, literary, or explicitly historical contexts. In contemporary discussion it may sound somewhat old-fashioned, and it can carry a critical implication when associated with rigid or outdated ideals of male behavior.
Easily confused with manliness
Masculinity is the broad state or identity of being male, while manliness more specifically refers to qualities traditionally associated with manhood, such as courage, strength, and resolve.
Manhood can refer to male adulthood, male identity, or a man's sense of dignity and responsibility, whereas manliness focuses more narrowly on qualities of character associated with being manly.