What does virile mean?
Virile is an adjective describing someone or something that displays qualities traditionally associated with men, such as physical strength, sexual potency, forcefulness, or an energetic bearing. It can also function more broadly as a literary synonym for vigorous, robust, or powerful, as in “virile prose” or “virile energy.” Because the word explicitly invokes traditional ideas of masculinity, it may sound dated, stylized, or unnecessarily gender-focused in contemporary writing. Nevertheless, it remains useful when the intended sense is vigorous and forceful rather than simply male. Its history is distinctive: English borrowed it from French viril, which came from Latin virilis, an adjective derived from vir, meaning “man.” The related noun virility likewise refers to masculine vitality, potency, or strength.
adjectiveHaving characteristics traditionally associated with men, especially masculine strength, energy, or sexual potency. In some contexts, it also means vigorous, robust, or forceful.
- Having characteristics traditionally associated with men, especially masculine strength, sexual potency, or forceful bearing.
- Vigorous, energetic, and robust, especially in a forceful or forceful-sounding context.
"The actor brought a virile energy to the role of the reluctant hero."
"The novel's virile prose gives its solitary hero an unmistakably physical presence."
"She was known for her virile determination in the face of repeated setbacks."
Virile comes from the Latin word vir, meaning “man,” and originally described qualities regarded as characteristically masculine.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of virile
English borrowed virile through French viril, from Latin virilis, meaning “manly” or “masculine.” The Latin adjective was formed from vir, meaning “man,” the source of the word’s longstanding association with male characteristics. The English word has been used since the early modern period, and its later senses emphasizing vigor and forcefulness developed alongside its more specific associations with masculinity and sexual potency.
Related word forms
How virile is actually used
The word is formal and literary, and its explicit association with masculinity can sound old-fashioned or overly traditional in modern usage. It may also carry a somewhat approving sense of vigor and forcefulness.
Easily confused with virile
Virile means possessing traditionally masculine qualities, strength, or potency, whereas viral means relating to a virus or spreading rapidly through shared online media.