Manly vs. Masculine — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 4, 2024
Manly connotes virtues traditionally associated with men, such as courage and strength, while masculine pertains to characteristics or attributes regarded as typical for men.
Difference Between Manly and Masculine
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Manly is an adjective often used to describe behaviors, qualities, or attributes that are traditionally associated with idealized views of men. These include virtues such as bravery, strength, resilience, and a protective nature. Masculine, on the other hand, is a broader term that encompasses all traits, behaviors, and roles traditionally considered typical or appropriate for men. This includes not only the physical aspects, such as body structure and facial hair, but also personality traits, behaviors, and roles in society that are culturally associated with men.
The term "manly" tends to imply a moral or ethical dimension, suggesting qualities that are not only physically strong but also noble or honorable in character. Unlike "manly," "masculine" is more descriptive and less evaluative, not necessarily implying a judgment about the desirability or value of these traits.
While "manly" qualities are often admired and aspired to, embodying an idealized version of how men are "supposed" to act, "masculine" traits can vary widely across cultures and contexts, including both positive and negative aspects. For example, strength and assertiveness are generally seen as masculine traits, but so can be aggression and emotional reserve, depending on cultural norms.
The concept of being "manly" tends to focus on a narrower set of virtues and behaviors that society often deems admirable in men, suggesting an element of choice or effort in embodying these qualities. On the other hand, "masculine" encompasses a wider range of characteristics, some of which are innate or biologically influenced, such as physical attributes, and others that are culturally determined, such as dress or mannerisms.
This distinction highlights the difference between actively cultivating certain traits deemed "manly" and simply possessing qualities that are considered "masculine." While "manly" behaviors or attributes often strive towards an ideal, "masculine" traits simply are, without necessarily implying an ethical or moral stance.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Qualities or behaviors traditionally viewed as virtuous or admirable in men.
Traits, behaviors, and roles culturally associated with men.
Connotation
Positive, implying virtues such as courage and honor.
Neutral, descriptive of gender traits without inherent judgment.
Scope
Narrower, focusing on a set of admired virtues.
Broader, encompassing all traits considered typical for men.
Cultural Variability
Less variable, often tied to universal ideals of male behavior.
Highly variable, dependent on cultural norms and perceptions.
Evaluation
Often implies an ethical or moral dimension, suggesting effort and choice.
Descriptive, without necessarily implying value or desirability.
Compare with Definitions
Manly
Possessing qualities traditionally associated with men, especially strength and courage.
His manly demeanor in the face of adversity earned him widespread respect.
Masculine
Having qualities or appearance traditionally associated with men.
She admired his masculine physique.
Manly
Suggestive of an idealized male bravado or stoicism.
The movie's hero portrayed a manly silence, choosing action over words.
Masculine
Pertaining to or characteristic of a man or men.
His deep voice is one of his most masculine features.
Manly
Reflecting an honorable or noble aspect of masculinity.
He is known for his manly conduct and integrity.
Masculine
Suitable or appropriate for men.
The store specializes in masculine fashion.
Manly
Displaying or characterized by qualities considered suitable for a man.
Offering to help in times of need is considered a manly virtue.
Masculine
Reflecting societal roles or behaviors seen as typical for men.
He embraced masculine duties within his community.
Manly
Embodying the traditional male role of protector and provider.
His manly responsibility to his family is his top priority.
Masculine
Inherent or innate traits considered male.
Masculine aggression is often discussed in psychological studies.
Manly
Of, relating to, or characteristic of men, especially when considered traditionally masculine, as in being courageous or direct
"Few men who are just about to go off on an adventure can resist a manly swig from a convenient bottle of whisky" (Jane Stevenson).
Masculine
Having qualities or appearance traditionally associated with men
He is outstandingly handsome and robust, very masculine
Manly
Well-developed or toned in musculature
A manly physique.
Masculine
Of or denoting a gender of nouns and adjectives, conventionally regarded as male
Masculine pronouns
Manly
In a manly manner.
Masculine
Of or relating to men or boys; male.
Manly
Having the characteristics of a man.
Masculine
Characterized by or possessing qualities traditionally attributed to men, such as aggressiveness.
Manly
Having qualities viewed as befitting a man; courageous, resolute, noble.
Masculine
(Grammar) Relating or belonging to the gender of words or forms that refer chiefly to males or to things grammatically classified as male.
Manly
Having qualities becoming to a man; not childish or womanish; manlike, esp. brave, courageous, resolute, noble.
Let's briefly put on manly readiness.
Serene and manly, hardened to sustainThe load of life.
Masculine
(Music) Ending on an accented beat
A masculine cadence.
Manly
In a manly manner; with the courage and fortitude of a manly man; as, to act manly.
Masculine
The masculine gender.
Manly
Possessing qualities befitting a man
Masculine
A word or word form of the masculine gender.
Manly
Characteristic of a man;
A deep male voice
Manly sports
Masculine
(Archaic) A male person.
Manly
In a manful manner; with qualities thought to befit a man;
Having said her say Peggy manfully shouldered her burden and prepared to break up yet another home
Masculine
Of or pertaining to the male gender; manly.
Masculine
Belonging to males; typically used by males.
“John”, “Paul”, and “Jake” are masculine names.
Masculine
Having the qualities stereotypically associated with men: virile, aggressive, not effeminate.
Masculine
(grammar) Of, pertaining or belonging to the male grammatical gender, in languages that have gender distinctions.
Masculine
(of a noun) Being of the masculine class or grammatical gender, and inflected in that manner.
The noun Student is masculine in German.
Masculine
(of another part of speech) Being inflected in agreement with a masculine noun.
German uses the masculine form of the definite article, der, with Student.
Masculine
|of any word}} Having the vowel harmony of a back vowel.
Masculine
(grammar) The masculine gender.
Masculine
(grammar) A word of the masculine gender.
Masculine
That which is masculine.
Masculine
A man.
Masculine
Belonging to males; appropriated to, or used by, males.
Masculine
Having the inflections of, or construed with, words pertaining especially to male beings, as distinguished from feminine and neuter. See Gender.
Masculine
A gender that refers chiefly (but not exclusively) to males or to objects classified as male
Masculine
Of grammatical gender;
`it' is the third-person singular neuter pronoun
Masculine
Associated with men and not with women
Masculine
(music or poetry) ending on an accented beat or syllable;
A masculine cadence
The masculine rhyme of `annoy, enjoy'
Common Curiosities
What does "manly" mean?
"Manly" refers to qualities or behaviors considered traditionally virtuous or admirable in men, such as strength and courage.
Why are masculine roles changing in modern society?
Masculine roles are evolving due to changing societal values, greater awareness of gender equality, and a broader understanding of gender identity and expression.
Are manly qualities always positive?
While "manly" qualities are generally viewed positively, cultural perceptions vary, and what is considered manly in one context may not be in another.
How do societal expectations influence manliness?
Societal expectations play a significant role in shaping what is considered manly, often promoting ideals related to strength, protection, and stoicism.
Is being manly the same across different cultures?
While there are universal aspects to what is considered manly, cultural differences greatly influence the specific qualities and behaviors valued as manly.
Can women display manly qualities?
Yes, women can display qualities considered manly, such as bravery and resilience, as these virtues are not exclusive to any gender.
Can masculine traits be negative?
Yes, some traits considered masculine can be viewed negatively, depending on cultural norms and the context in which they are displayed.
How do media and literature portray manly and masculine qualities?
Media and literature often portray manly qualities as heroic and admirable, while masculine qualities can range from positive to negative stereotypes.
Do masculine and feminine traits overlap?
Yes, there is significant overlap; many traits, such as empathy and assertiveness, can be exhibited by anyone regardless of gender.
Are there any biological bases for manly or masculine traits?
Some masculine traits, such as physical characteristics, have biological bases, but behaviors and roles are largely influenced by culture and socialization.
What defines something as "masculine"?
Something is defined as "masculine" if it pertains to traits, behaviors, or roles traditionally associated with men, whether they are physical, psychological, or social.
Is "masculine" the same as being male?
"Masculine" refers to characteristics associated with men, but it is not synonymous with being male, which is a biological distinction.
Can societal perceptions of masculinity change?
Yes, societal perceptions of masculinity are subject to change over time, influenced by cultural shifts, social movements, and changing attitudes toward gender roles.
How do personal choices affect the expression of manliness or masculinity?
Personal choices, including interests, behaviors, and values, significantly influence how individuals express manliness or masculinity, reflecting their unique identity and beliefs.
What role does upbringing play in developing manly or masculine traits?
Upbringing plays a crucial role, as children learn and internalize societal expectations and norms regarding gender roles and behaviors from a young age.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
