Definition

1. Noun:
   • The quality or condition of being masculine: This refers to possessing characteristics, behaviors, or attributes traditionally or stereotypically associated with men and male identity.
   • The set of qualities regarded as typical of men: This encompasses social, psychological, and physical traits considered characteristic of the male sex.

Usage

• Masculinity is an abstract, uncountable noun used to discuss concepts of gender, identity, and social norms.
• It is often examined in contrast to femininity.
• It can be used in both descriptive and critical contexts when discussing gender roles.

Examples

• Noun:
  • Traditional notions of masculinity often emphasize strength and stoicism.
  • The film explores the crisis of modern masculinity.
  • He felt pressured to conform to a rigid ideal of masculinity.

Advanced Usage

• "Toxic masculinity": A critical term referring to certain cultural norms associated with manhood that can be harmful to men, women, and society overall, such as the suppression of emotions or the glorification of aggression.
  • The workshop addressed the impacts of toxic masculinity on mental health.
• "Hegemonic masculinity": A sociological concept describing the dominant, socially endorsed form of masculinity that subordinates other forms of masculinity and femininities.
  • The study analyzed how hegemonic masculinity is reinforced in media.

Variants and Related Words

• Masculine (adj): Having qualities or appearance traditionally associated with men.
  • He has a very masculine voice.
• Masculinize (verb): To give masculine characteristics to.
  • The hormone treatment can masculinize certain features.

Synonyms

• Manliness: The traditional qualities of a man (often used interchangeably, though sometimes with a more traditional connotation).
• Virility: Specifically refers to masculine strength, vigor, and sexual potency.
• Machismo: Strong or aggressive masculine pride (often has a negative connotation of exaggerated masculinity).

Antonyms

• Femininity: The quality or attributes of being feminine.

Related Phrases and Concepts

• "Performance of masculinity": The idea that gender roles, including masculinity, are acted out or performed according to social scripts.
  • His tough demeanor was a clear performance of masculinity for his peers.
• "Fragile masculinity": A concept describing anxiety over performing masculinity adequately, often leading to overcompensation.
  • His anger at being teased was a sign of fragile masculinity.

Noun

1. the trait of behaving in ways considered typical for men
2. the properties characteristic of the male sex