Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Possessing or displaying qualities traditionally associated with men, such as courage, strength, and determination: "manful" describes behavior or an effort that is brave, resolute, and vigorous.
   • Characteristic of a man: It can refer to attributes considered typical of a man.

Usage and Examples

• Adjective:
  • He made a manful attempt to lift the heavy box. (He made a brave and determined effort.)
  • Despite his injury, he continued the race with manful endurance. (He showed resolute and courageous persistence.)
  • She praised his manful acceptance of the difficult news. (His acceptance was brave and stoic.)

Advanced Usage

• "Manful effort/attempt": A very common collocation describing a determined and courageous try, often in the face of difficulty.
  • The team put up a manful defense against the champions.
• Used to describe an action or quality that is admirably strong and purposeful.
  • With a manful shrug, he accepted his responsibility.

Variants and Related Words

• Manfully (adverb): In a brave, determined manner.
  • He struggled manfully to finish the task.
• Manliness (noun): The quality of being manly.
• Manly (adjective): Having qualities traditionally associated with men. (Note: "Manful" often emphasizes effort and courage in action, while "manly" can describe inherent characteristics or appearance.)

Synonyms

• Courageous: Showing bravery.
• Resolute: Admirably purposeful and determined.
• Stalwart: Loyal, reliable, and hard-working.
• Valiant: Possessing or showing courage or determination.

Antonyms

• Cowardly: Lacking courage.
• Timid: Showing a lack of courage or confidence.
• Weak: Lacking the power to perform physically demanding tasks; lacking strength of character.

Notes on Usage

• The term "manful" is rooted in traditional gender associations. In modern usage, the qualities it describes (bravery, determination) are universally admired, but the word itself is less common than neutral synonyms like "brave" or "determined."
• It is typically used to describe a person's or , rather than their appearance.

Adjective

1. characteristic of a man
   • a deep male voice
   • manly sports
2. possessing qualities befitting a man