Virile vs. Masculine — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 27, 2024
Virile emphasizes the physical aspects of masculinity, such as strength while masculine refers more broadly to qualities or attributes regarded as characteristic of men.
Difference Between Virile and Masculine
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Virile is often associated with physical strength and robust health, highlighting the traditional view of male vitality. On the other hand, masculine can describe both physical and personality traits that society typically attributes to men, such as assertiveness or courage.
Virile connotes a sense of energetic gender potency and fertility, traditionally celebrated in many cultures. Whereas, masculine might not specifically imply gender activity but rather encompasses a broader range of male characteristics, including behavioral norms, fashion, and roles.
In contemporary use, virile can sometimes carry a positive connotation of vigor and an active life force. Conversely, the term masculine might be used in both positive and critical contexts, depending on whether it aligns with or challenges modern gender expectations.
Discussions around virility often focus on biological and physical aspects, considering factors like testosterone levels and body build. Meanwhile, masculine traits may be discussed in psychological and social contexts, exploring how cultural norms define and expect men to behave.
Virility is occasionally used in a metaphorical sense to describe entities other than men, such as a "virile economy," suggesting robust health and growth. Masculine, however, is rarely used metaphorically and remains closely tied to characteristics associated with men.
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Comparison Chart
Definition Focus
Physical strength
Broader male qualities, both physical and behavioral
Connotation
Primarily positive, vitality
Can be both positive or critical, depending on context
Use in Language
More specific, less frequently used
Wider usage, applicable in many contexts
Cultural Perception
Celebrates traditional male vitality
Evolves with changing gender norms
Metaphorical Use
Used metaphorically for non-human entities
Rarely used metaphorically
Compare with Definitions
Virile
Characterized by a vigorous, forceful nature.
The virile leadership style of the new coach turned the team around.
Masculine
Pertaining to men or boys; male.
He adopted a more masculine style of dress.
Virile
Used metaphorically to describe non-human entities.
Investors were attracted to the virile growth of the tech sector.
Masculine
Having qualities traditionally ascribed to men.
The masculine virtue of stoicism is highly regarded in the military.
Virile
Showing physical strength or robust health.
The hero of the novel is described as virile and commanding.
Masculine
Suitable or considered appropriate for men.
The fragrance is marketed as deeply masculine.
Virile
Related to the capacity for procreation.
The study focused on factors affecting virile capabilities in middle-aged men.
Masculine
Reflecting male dominance in societal roles.
The film explores masculine identity in contemporary society.
Virile
Masculine in a robust way; manly
"[He] was a man of action, a virile director who brought out the best in the screenplay" (Jeffrey Meyers).
Masculine
Having qualities or appearance traditionally associated with men
He is outstandingly handsome and robust, very masculine
Virile
Energetic or forceful
A virile performance of the concerto.
Masculine
Of or denoting a gender of nouns and adjectives, conventionally regarded as male
Masculine pronouns
Virile
; having characteristics associated with being male, such as strength; exhibiting masculine traits to an exaggerated degree such as strength, forcefulness or vigor.
Masculine
Of or relating to men or boys; male.
Virile
(grammar) Pertaining to a grammatical gender used in plurals of some Slavic languages, corresponding to the personal masculine animate nouns.
Masculine
Characterized by or possessing qualities traditionally attributed to men, such as aggressiveness.
Virile
Having the nature, properties, or qualities, of an adult man; characteristic of developed manhood; hence, masterful; forceful; specifically, capable of begetting; - opposed to womanly, feminine, and puerile; as, virile age, virile power, virile organs.
Masculine
(Grammar) Relating or belonging to the gender of words or forms that refer chiefly to males or to things grammatically classified as male.
Virile
Characterized by energy and vigor;
A virile and ever stronger free society
A new and virile leadership
Masculine
(Music) Ending on an accented beat
A masculine cadence.
Virile
Characteristic of a man;
A deep male voice
Manly sports
Masculine
The masculine gender.
Virile
(of a male) able to copulate
Masculine
A word or word form of the masculine gender.
Masculine
(Archaic) A male person.
Masculine
Of or pertaining to the male gender; manly.
Masculine
Belonging to males; typically used by males.
“John”, “Paul”, and “Jake” are masculine names.
Masculine
Having the qualities stereotypically associated with men: virile, aggressive, not effeminate.
Masculine
(grammar) Of, pertaining or belonging to the male grammatical gender, in languages that have gender distinctions.
Masculine
(of a noun) Being of the masculine class or grammatical gender, and inflected in that manner.
The noun Student is masculine in German.
Masculine
(of another part of speech) Being inflected in agreement with a masculine noun.
German uses the masculine form of the definite article, der, with Student.
Masculine
|of any word}} Having the vowel harmony of a back vowel.
Masculine
(grammar) The masculine gender.
Masculine
(grammar) A word of the masculine gender.
Masculine
That which is masculine.
Masculine
A man.
Masculine
Having the qualities of a man; suitable to, or characteristic of, a man; virile; not feminine or effeminate; strong; robust.
That lady, after her husband's death, held the reins with a masculine energy.
Masculine
Belonging to males; appropriated to, or used by, males.
Masculine
Having the inflections of, or construed with, words pertaining especially to male beings, as distinguished from feminine and neuter. See Gender.
Masculine
A gender that refers chiefly (but not exclusively) to males or to objects classified as male
Masculine
Of grammatical gender;
`it' is the third-person singular neuter pronoun
Masculine
Associated with men and not with women
Masculine
(music or poetry) ending on an accented beat or syllable;
A masculine cadence
The masculine rhyme of `annoy, enjoy'
Masculine
Strong or aggressive in nature.
The new model of the car has a more masculine design.
Common Curiosities
How does the perception of masculine traits vary across cultures?
Masculine traits can vary significantly, often influenced by cultural norms, historical contexts, and evolving social values.
Can women display masculine traits?
Yes, women can display traits traditionally considered masculine, such as assertiveness or leadership.
How have definitions of masculine and virile changed in recent times?
Modern discussions often challenge and expand these definitions to include a broader spectrum of behaviors and traits beyond traditional norms.
Are masculine traits genetic or learned?
Masculine traits are a combination of genetic predispositions and social learning.
What does virile mean in a medical context?
In a medical context, virile refers to the ability of a male to reproduce.
How do modern feminists view the concept of masculinity?
Many modern feminists critique traditional masculinity for perpetuating gender inequalities, advocating for a more inclusive understanding.
How does society benefit from redefining masculine roles?
Redefining masculine roles can lead to more equitable relationships and diverse expressions of identity, benefiting societal health and cohesion.
Is virility always a desirable trait?
While traditionally viewed positively, excessive emphasis on virility can lead to negative stereotypes or pressures.
What role does testosterone play in virility?
Testosterone significantly influences virility, affecting physical strength and mood.
Does virile have a counterpart in female characteristics?
The counterpart for virile in female characteristics is often considered to be "fertile," though the usage and connotations differ.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
