manly

[ man-lee ]

See synonyms for: manly manliness on Thesaurus.com

adjective,man·li·er, man·li·est.

having qualities traditionally ascribed to men, as strength or bravery.
pertaining to or suitable for males: manly sports.

adverb

Archaic. in a manly manner.

Origin of manly

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

synonym study For manly

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. See also male.

Opposites for manly

1	weak, cowardly

See antonyms for manly on Thesaurus.com

Other words from manly

man·li·ness, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use manly in a sentence

Later, after taking his own shirt off in a supposed show of manliness, Dre freaked out when Andre Jr. copied him.
Why ‘Black-ish’ Has a Gay Problem | Tim Teeman | October 3, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Another tradition of manliness would point them toward discipline, sacrifice, and self-denial.
Alleged Santa Barbara Killer Elliot Rodger and the Twisted Cult of Modern Masculinity | James Poulos | May 26, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
The reason, Foster argues, is that impotence implies a lack of virility, a lack of manliness.
What the Sex Lives of the Founding Fathers Reveal About Us | Eric Herschthal | February 21, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Perched atop a mountain of wavy, pulled-back hair is a mangled ball of manliness, a holdover from the days of the samurai.
Joakim Noah Has the Manliest Bun Ever | Sujay Kumar | May 15, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST
No, this is about which conservative leaders ooze a stereotypical, gut-level manliness.
Squishes, Step Aside: Ted Cruz and Chris Christie’s Old-School Manliness | Michelle Cottle | May 13, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST

He should have manliness enough to resist all their pretty arts, and enticing ways.
Tessa Wadsworth's Discipline | Jennie M. Drinkwater
The Persians, next to bravery in battle, considered the greatest proof of manliness was to be able to exhibit many children.
Ancient Faiths And Modern | Thomas Inman
He was very much subdued, but his companions appreciated his manliness, and gave him a warm welcome.
The Story of the Big Front Door | Mary Finley Leonard
Even at that early age he was remarkable for the manliness of his mind.
The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 16, No. 97, November, 1865 | Various
"Showed his good sense and manliness," said the Doctor gruffly.
A Houseful of Girls | Sarah Tytler

British Dictionary definitions for manly

manly

/ (ˈmænlɪ) /

adjective-lier or -liest

possessing qualities, such as vigour or courage, generally regarded as appropriate to or typical of a man; masculine
characteristic of or befitting a man: a manly sport

Derived forms of manly

manliness, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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