Word
masculinity
Phoneticsmas·culin·i·ty
US/ˌmæskjəˈɫɪnəti/
UK/mˌæskjʊlˈɪnɪti/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the set of qualities or behaviors that people usually think are typical of men.
n. the set of attributes, behaviors, and roles generally associated with boys and men. Often discussed as a social construct rather than a purely biological trait.
Examples
“He felt that showing emotion did not threaten his masculinity.”
“The documentary explores how different cultures define masculinity and what it means to be a man in the modern world.”
“Sociologists often distinguish between traditional masculinity and more fluid contemporary expressions, noting how societal expectations of male behavior have shifted significantly over the last century.”
Examples
simple
“He felt that showing emotion did not threaten his masculinity.”
contextual
“The documentary explores how different cultures define masculinity and what it means to be a man in the modern world.”
complex
“Sociologists often distinguish between traditional masculinity and more fluid contemporary expressions, noting how societal expectations of male behavior have shifted significantly over the last century.”
Usage
Typically used as an uncountable abstract noun; occasionally used with 'a' when referring to a specific type ('a toxic masculinity').
Real-World Examples
“Hegseth has also embraced a return to more traditional ideas of masculinity.” “It features two teenage boys navigating same-sex desire for each other under the oppressive forces of homophobia, peer pressure and strong-man masculinity.” Etymology
From French masculinité, from Old French, equivalent to masculine + -ity. Earlier in same sense was masculineness.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/masculinity