manliness

UK: /ˈmænlinɪs/

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

man•ly /ˈmænli/   adj., -li•er, -li•est. 

1. having qualities traditionally thought of as belonging to or relating to men;
   not feminine or boyish:
   manly acts of courage.
2. relating to or suitable for males:
   manly sports.

man•li•ness, n. [uncountable]

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

man•ly  (man′lē), adj., -li•er, -li•est, adv. 
adj. 

1. having qualities traditionally ascribed to men, as strength or bravery.
2. pertaining to or suitable for males:
   manly sports.

adv. 

3. [Archaic.] in a manly manner.

• bef. 900; Middle English (adjective, adjectival, adverb, adverbial); Old English manlīc (adjective, adjectival), manlīce (adverb, adverbial). See man¹, -ly

man′li•ness, n. 
Synonyms

Manly, manful, mannish mean having the traits or qualities that a culture regards as especially characteristic of or ideally appropriate to adult men. Manly is usually a term of approval, suggesting traits admired by society, such as determination, decisiveness, and steadiness:
a manly acceptance of the facts; manly firmness of character.
Manful, also a term of approval, stresses qualities such as courage, strength, and fortitude:
a manful effort to overcome great odds.
Mannish is most often used derogatorily in reference to the traits, manners, or accouterments of a woman that are thought to be more appropriate to or typical of a man:
a mannish abruptness in her speech; She wore a severely mannish suit.
See also male. 

Antonyms

• 1. weak, cowardly.