unmanlike
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Not possessing qualities befitting a man: Describes a person, behavior, or characteristic that is considered contrary to traditional or stereotypical masculine traits, such as strength, courage, or stoicism.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- His emotional outburst was considered unmanlike by his stern father.
- In that outdated culture, showing fear was seen as unmanlike.
- The stereotype wrongly labels caring for children as unmanlike behavior.
Advanced Usage
- Sociological Context: The term is often used critically to discuss and deconstruct rigid gender norms. Its usage highlights how societal expectations define masculinity.
- The study examined how terms like "unmanlike" enforce harmful gender stereotypes.
Variants and Related Words
- Unmanly (adj): This is a more common synonym with the same core meaning.
- Effeminate (adj): (Often pejorative) Having qualities traditionally associated with women.
- Emasculated (adj): Deprived of masculine strength or role.
Synonyms
- Unmanly
- Effeminate (context-dependent)
- Weak (in the specific context of defying masculine norms)
Antonyms
- Manly
- Virile
- Masculine
Notes on Usage
- The term unmanlike is relatively uncommon in modern English, with unmanly being the standard form.
- Its use often carries a subjective, judgmental, or dated connotation, reflecting specific cultural ideas of masculinity. It is frequently employed in analytical or historical discussions about gender roles rather than in descriptive contemporary speech.
Adjective
- not possessing qualities befitting a man