What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
male
Example
The male lion roared loudly to assert his dominance. [male: adjective]
Example
The doctor confirmed that the baby's gender was male. [male: noun]
masculine
Example
He had a deep, masculine voice that commanded attention. [masculine: adjective]
Example
The sports car had a sleek and masculine design that appealed to many buyers. [masculine: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Male is more common than masculine in everyday language, as it is a more straightforward and widely applicable term. Masculine is more commonly used in discussions of gender roles, stereotypes, and cultural norms.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between male and masculine?
Both male and masculine can be used in formal or informal contexts, but male is more neutral and objective in tone, while masculine can have more subjective or emotional connotations depending on the context.
