masculine
B2formal, academic, everyday
Definition
Meaning
Having qualities traditionally associated with men, such as strength, assertiveness, and vigor; relating to or characteristic of men.
In grammar, a gender category for nouns, pronouns, and adjectives that typically denote male beings; in contemporary usage, can refer to traits, behaviors, or styles not tied to biological sex but to social constructs of gender.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often used in contrast to 'feminine'; can carry cultural and historical connotations about gender roles. Increasingly used in discussions of gender identity and expression beyond binary biological distinctions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in core meaning. American English may use 'masculine' more frequently in pop-culture and gender studies contexts. In UK English, traditional associations with class and sports may be more pronounced (e.g., 'masculine pursuits').
Connotations
Both varieties associate it with strength and male traits. American English sometimes uses it in marketing for products (e.g., 'masculine scent'). UK English may retain slightly stronger traditional class/gender links.
Frequency
Comparable frequency; slightly higher in American English due to wider use in media and gender discourse.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
be considered masculineregard something as masculineproject a masculine imageassociated with the masculineVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “toxic masculinity”
- “masculine mystique”
- “alpha male (related)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in marketing (e.g., 'masculine branding for grooming products').
Academic
Common in gender studies, sociology, linguistics (grammatical gender), psychology.
Everyday
Used to describe appearance, behavior, or objects perceived as male-typical.
Technical
In linguistics, denotes a grammatical gender class. In design, may refer to angular, bold aesthetics.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He tried to masculine his posture during the interview.
- The brand aims to masculine its image for the new campaign.
American English
- She didn't want to masculine her voice to be taken seriously.
- The film masculinizes the hero through aggressive scenes.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My brother has a masculine voice.
- In French, 'le' is a masculine article.
- Some cultures consider leadership a masculine trait.
- The actor played a very masculine role in the film.
- Traditional masculine norms often discourage men from showing vulnerability.
- The design uses masculine colours like navy and charcoal.
- Contemporary debates challenge the conflation of biological sex with masculine behavioural archetypes.
- The poet subverts masculine imagery by associating it with fragility.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'MASCULINE' = 'MASC' (like mascot, often male) + 'LINE' (a strong, straight line → strong like a man).
Conceptual Metaphor
STRENGTH IS MASCULINE / RUGGEDNESS IS MASCULINE / ASSERTIVENESS IS MASCULINE.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не путать с 'мужественный' (brave) – 'masculine' шире. В русском 'мужской' может означать просто 'для мужчин', а в английском 'masculine' часто о качествах.
- В грамматике: 'masculine gender' = мужской род, но в английском почти нет грамматического рода, кроме местоимений he/him.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'masculine' to mean 'male' (biological sex). 'Masculine' refers to qualities/attributes, not necessarily biology.
- Overgeneralizing traits as universally masculine across cultures.
- Confusing 'masculine' with 'macho' (the latter is often negative/exaggerated).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT typically a connotation of 'masculine'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'masculine' describes qualities or styles; women can have masculine traits or a masculine style.
'Male' refers to biological sex. 'Masculine' refers to qualities, behaviours, or appearances traditionally associated with men.
Yes, in design or marketing (e.g., a masculine scent, a masculine car). Also in grammar, nouns can be masculine gender.
It is neutral but can be positive or negative depending on context and speaker's perspective (e.g., 'healthy masculinity' vs. 'toxic masculinity').