manly

[ man-lee ]
/ ˈmæn li /

adjective, man·li·er, man·li·est.

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

adverb

Archaic. in a manly manner.

Origin of manly

before 900; Middle English (adj., adv.); Old English manlīc (adj.), manlīce (adv.). See man1, -ly

SYNONYMS FOR manly

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.

OTHER WORDS FROM manly

man·li·ness, noun

Example sentences from the Web for manly

British Dictionary definitions for manly

manly
/ (ˈmænlɪ) /

adjective -lier or -liest

possessing qualities, such as vigour or courage, generally regarded as appropriate to or typical of a man; masculine
characteristic of or befitting a man a manly sport

Derived forms of manly

manliness, noun