the state or period of being a man rather than a child, the qualities traditionally associated with men, such as courage, strength, and sexual potency

test of manhood, to come of age, to lose one's manhood

Formal and Informal Expressions of manhood

In different contexts, you can replace 'manhood' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'masculinity, adultness' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'manliness, being a man' is a commonplace synonym.

manhood: Explore its Definition & Usage

manhood Definition

1the state or period of being a man rather than a child
2the qualities traditionally associated with men, such as courage, strength, and sexual potency

Using manhood: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "manhood" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
He proved his manhood by standing up to the bully.
Example
The initiation ceremony marked his transition into manhood.
Example
He was praised for his manhood and bravery during the war.

manhood Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for manhood

Antonyms for manhood

Phrases with manhood

test of manhood
a challenge or task that is considered a measure of a man's courage or strength
Example
Climbing the mountain was a test of manhood for the young men in the tribe.
to come of age
to reach the age when one is legally recognized as an adult and is granted certain rights and responsibilities
Example
In many cultures, coming of age is marked by a ceremony that celebrates the transition from childhood to manhood.
to lose one's manhood
to be emasculated or lose one's masculine qualities
Example
He felt like he had lost his manhood after losing his job and becoming financially dependent on his wife.

Origins of manhood

from Old English 'mannhād', meaning 'manliness'

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Summary: manhood in Brief

The term 'manhood' [ˈmanhʊd] refers to the state or period of being a man, and the qualities traditionally associated with men, such as courage, strength, and sexual potency. It can be exemplified by phrases like 'He proved his manhood by standing up to the bully,' and 'The initiation ceremony marked his transition into manhood.' 'Manhood' extends into idioms like 'to come of age,' denoting the legal recognition of adulthood, and 'to lose one's manhood,' implying the loss of masculine qualities.