masculinist: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Academic, Critical
Quick answer
What does “masculinist” mean?
A supporter of or believer in male superiority, or in the advocacy of men's rights and interests.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A supporter of or believer in male superiority, or in the advocacy of men's rights and interests.
A person, particularly a man, who adheres to ideologies or attitudes that promote traditional masculine values, roles, and dominance, often in reaction to or critique of feminism. Can be associated with the men's rights movement.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in definition or spelling. Usage is broadly similar.
Connotations
Equally strong critical/academic connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general use. More likely to be encountered in academic, sociological, or gender studies contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “masculinist” in a Sentence
He was labelled a masculinist by his critics.a masculinist ideologythe rise of masculinist politicsVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “masculinist” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [No established verb form. The concept would be expressed periphrastically, e.g., 'to advocate for masculinist ideas'.]
American English
- [No established verb form. The concept would be expressed periphrastically, e.g., 'to espouse masculinist views'.]
adverb
British English
- [No established adverb form. Would be expressed as 'in a masculinist way/manner'.]
American English
- [No established adverb form. Would be expressed as 'from a masculinist perspective'.]
adjective
British English
- The article was a critique of masculinist thought in modern politics.
- He was accused of holding masculinist attitudes.
American English
- Her research focuses on masculinist rhetoric in online forums.
- The group promotes a masculinist perspective on family law.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Very rare. Potentially used in discussions of workplace diversity or gender bias.
Academic
Primary context. Used in sociology, gender studies, and cultural criticism.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would likely be misunderstood or require explanation.
Technical
Used as a specific term in gender theory and social movements analysis.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “masculinist”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “masculinist”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “masculinist”
- Using it as a synonym for 'masculine' (adjective). Confusing it with 'machismo'. Using it in a positive or neutral register without recognising its often critical academic use.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Masculine' describes traits traditionally associated with men. 'Masculinist' is an ideological label for someone advocating for men's interests, often in a way seen as opposed to feminism.
It is primarily used in academic or critical discourse and often carries a negative or pejorative connotation, implying a reactionary stance against gender equality. It is rarely used as a self-identifier in a positive light.
They are closely related. 'Men's rights activist' is a broader, more common self-identifier. 'Masculinist' is a more academic/sociological term that can carry stronger critical connotations and may imply a more ideological or theoretical foundation.
Yes, theoretically. The term describes someone who holds masculinist beliefs, regardless of their own gender, though it is most commonly applied to men.
A supporter of or believer in male superiority, or in the advocacy of men's rights and interests.
Masculinist is usually formal, academic, critical in register.
Masculinist: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmæskjəlɪnɪst/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmæskjəlɪnɪst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this specific noun]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'masculine' + 'ist' (like 'feminist'). Someone who is an 'ist' for masculine ideas, often in opposition to feminism.
Conceptual Metaphor
IDEOLOGY IS A FORCE (a rising masculinist tide), ADVOCACY IS WAR (masculinist backlash).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'masculinist' MOST likely to be used accurately?