Masculinity

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˌmæskjəˈlɪnɪti/

Definitions

1. The quality of having characteristics traditionally associated with men, such as strength, assertiveness, and toughness
2. The set of traits, behaviors, and social roles culturally attributed to or expected of men, including physical strength, dominance, and emotional restraint
3. A collection of attributes, expressions, and identity markers conventionally linked to manhood, encompassing assertiveness, independence, and traditionally male-coded conduct

Etymology: "Masculinity" is built from "masculine" plus the suffix "-ity," which turns an adjective into a noun for a quality or state. "Masculine" itself came into English from French, which in turn took it from Latin "masculinus," meaning "of the male sex," derived from "masculus," the male. The French noun "masculinité" was formed on that adjective, and English adopted it in the same way, so the word describes the quality of being masculine rather than the male body itself. Before this noun settled in, English speakers used "masculineness," a plainer compound built from the adjective and the Old English suffix "-ness." The Latin-based form won out because "-ity" nouns were a common route for turning French and Latin adjectives into abstract terms, and it sounds more formal and general.

Synonyms: manliness, masculinity, virility, manhood, male identity

Antonyms: femininity, womanhood, womanliness, gender neutrality, androgyny