manhood
UK[ˈmænhʊd]US[ˈmænhʊd]
n
The state or period of being a man, rather than a boy.
n
The qualities, such as strength and courage, that are traditionally associated with men.
n
Men considered as a group.
Morpheme Breakdown
man
hood
man
adult male human
hood
state or condition
Etymology
The word 'manhood' is a compound formed within Old English, combining the noun 'man' with the suffix '-hood'. The root 'man' is ancient, deriving from Proto-Germanic mann- and ultimately from the Proto-Indo-European (PIE) root man- (to think), which also gives us 'mind'. This intriguing connection suggests the original concept of 'man' was linked to a thinking or conscious being. The suffix '-hood', from Old English -hād, is related to the word 'had' and originally denoted a specific state, condition, or rank. Therefore, the literal construction of 'manhood' is "the state or condition of being a man." Over time, its meaning expanded from the simple fact of male adulthood to encompass the abstract qualities and collective identity associated with that state.
Analysis
Structure: man (adult male human) + hood (state or condition)
- man: From Old English mann (human being, person, adult male), of Germanic origin.
- hood: From Old English -hād (state, condition, quality, rank), of Germanic origin.
Examples
The ceremony was a rite of passage into manhood.
He felt his manhood was challenged by the accusation.
The film explores themes of courage and manhood in times of war.