Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Resembling human beings: Having characteristics or qualities that are similar to those of humans, particularly in form or behavior.
   • Characteristic of a man: Possessing qualities, attributes, or behaviors traditionally or typically associated with adult human males, such as strength, courage, or deep voice.
   • Possessing qualities befitting a man: Exhibiting traits considered admirable, proper, or appropriate for a man.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The robot's movements were surprisingly manlike. (The robot's movements bore a close resemblance to those of a human.)
  • He spoke in a deep, manlike voice. (His voice had the deep quality characteristic of a man.)
  • She admired his manlike resolve in the face of adversity. (She admired his resolve, which displayed qualities befitting a man.)

Advanced Usage

• In anthropological or biological contexts: Used to describe physical features or behaviors in other species that are analogous to those of humans.
  • The researchers studied the manlike gait of the ape.
• As a descriptive term for artifacts or appearances: Used to describe something non-human that has a humanoid form.
  • The ancient statue had a crude, manlike shape.

Variants and Related Words

• Manly (adj): Having qualities traditionally associated with men, such as strength and courage; often implies commendation.
  • He took a manly responsibility for the mistake.
• Manlike is a less common variant. Manly is more frequently used for the sense of "possessing admirable masculine qualities."

Synonyms

• Virile: Possessing masculine strength or spirit.
• Masculine: Having qualities or appearance traditionally associated with men.
• Anthropoid: Resembling a human being in form (used especially for apes).

Antonyms

• Womanlike: Resembling or characteristic of a woman.
• Effeminate: (Of a man) having characteristics regarded as typical of a woman; often used derogatorily.
• Childlike: Resembling or characteristic of a child.

Notes on Usage

• The word manlike can sometimes be considered dated or gender-biased in modern contexts, as it centers traditional male qualities as a standard. Terms like human-like (for resembling humans) or masculine (for male-associated traits) are often preferred for clarity and neutrality.
• It is primarily used as an adjective and is not commonly used to form phrasal verbs or idioms.

Adjective

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