# manly

/ˈmænɫi/ (US) · /mˈænli/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/manly
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. masculine qualities

adjective · CEFR B2

having qualities that people traditionally think a man should have, like being strong or brave.

For teachers: possessing qualities traditionally associated with men, such as physical strength, courage, or a deep voice.

- He spoke in a deep, manly voice that filled the room.
- The advertisement relied on outdated stereotypes, depicting the protagonist performing manly tasks like chopping wood and wrestling bears.

Usage: Often used to describe physical features or traditional virtues like bravery.

Teaching tip: This word is often associated with traditional or old-fashioned ideas of gender roles; use it carefully in modern social contexts.

### 2. in a masculine way

adverb · CEFR C1 · Literary

acting in a way that is brave or strong, like a traditional man.

For teachers: behaving in a manner traditionally considered appropriate for a man, especially with courage or resolve.

- He bore the pain manly and did not cry out.
- In the classic novel, the hero faces his execution manly, refusing to show any sign of fear to his captors.

Usage: As an adverb, it is much less common than the adjective and is mostly found in older literature.

## Examples

- He has a very manly voice.
- The actor is famous for playing manly characters who survive alone in the wild.
- The novel explores the pressure on young men to maintain a manly exterior even when they are feeling vulnerable or afraid.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.