What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
manly
Example
He showed his manly side by rescuing the cat from the tree. [manly: adjective]
Example
She appreciated his manly demeanor during the crisis. [manly: noun]
Example
He had a manly beard that made him look rugged and handsome. [manly: adjective]
masculine
Example
The sport of football is often associated with masculine traits like toughness and aggression. [masculine: adjective]
Example
He felt pressure to conform to masculine norms in his workplace. [masculine: noun]
Example
His deep, masculine voice made him sound authoritative and confident. [masculine: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Masculine is more commonly used than manly in everyday language. Masculine is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while manly is less common and more colloquial.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between manly and masculine?
Masculine is generally more formal than manly, which is more colloquial and informal.
