manly

[ man-lee ]

adjective

, man·li·er, man·li·est.

1. having qualities traditionally ascribed to men, as strength or bravery.

   Antonyms: cowardly, weak

2. pertaining to or suitable for males:

   manly sports.

adverb

1. Archaic. in a manly manner.

manly

/ ˈmænlɪ /

adjective

1. possessing qualities, such as vigour or courage, generally regarded as appropriate to or typical of a man; masculine
2. characteristic of or befitting a man

   a manly sport

Derived Forms

• ˈmanliness, noun

Other Words From

• manli·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of manly¹

before 900; Middle English (adj., adv.); Old English manlīc (adj.), manlīce (adv.). See man, -ly

Synonym Study

Manly, manful, mannish mean having the traits or qualities that a culture regards as especially characteristic of or ideally appropriate to adult men. Manly is usually a term of approval, suggesting traits admired by society, such as determination, decisiveness, and steadiness: a manly acceptance of the facts; manly firmness of character. Manful, also a term of approval, stresses qualities such as courage, strength, and fortitude: a manful effort to overcome great odds. Mannish is most often used derogatorily in reference to the traits, manners, or accouterments of a woman that are thought to be more appropriate to or typical of a man: a mannish abruptness in her speech; She wore a severely mannish suit. male.

Example Sentences

Cut all those men right out of your life who have made being a whiner their "manly" identity.

From Salon

If they are such manly men, they need to practice some old-fashioned masculine stoicism.

From Salon

Perhaps Trump’s greatest con of all, abetted by the enablers and grifters of the so-called manosphere, has been to sell young men on the idea that he is a manly guy, someone to emulate.

From Salon

Perhaps Trump’s greatest con of all, abetted by the enablers and grifters of the "manosphere," has been to sell young men on the idea that he is a manly guy, someone to emulate.

From Salon

“They went into a house, to complete strangers they’ve never met before, and shared their lives on national television. Tell me that’s not the most manly thing you can do, because 99% of the people watching at home wouldn’t have the courage to do it, but they did.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• male
• manful
• masculine
• virile