Definition & Meaning of "masculine"

masculine

ADJECTIVE

related to qualities, characteristics, or behaviors typically associated with men

(of a language's grammar) referring to males

(music or poetry) ending on an accented beat or syllable

Masculine

NOUN

(grammar) a word or grammatical form that refers to males

What is "masculine"?

Masculine is a grammatical category that refers to nouns, pronouns, and adjectives associated with male characteristics or qualities. In languages that mark gender, masculine forms are often used to denote male people or animals. For example, in Spanish, the word "ingeniero," meaning "engineer," is masculine, and it is used with masculine adjectives, such as "alto," meaning "tall," to form "ingeniero alto," meaning "tall engineer." In English, masculine is primarily reflected in pronouns, such as "he" and "him." Understanding the masculine gender is essential for maintaining grammatical agreement and clarity in communication, especially in languages with specific gender rules.

Example

The masculine physique of the bodybuilder was evident in his strong muscles and broad shoulders.

Sarah admired the masculine confidence and assertiveness of her colleague during the business meeting.

The masculine scent of the cologne reminded Sarah of her father, evoking feelings of warmth and nostalgia.

Jack admired the masculine resilience and stoicism of the soldiers as they faced adversity on the battlefield.

Understanding the masculine gender in a language is essential for proper agreement and communication, ensuring grammatical correctness in speech and writing.