manliness
UK[ˈmænlinəs]US[ˈmænlinəs]
n
the quality of being traditionally considered typical of a man, such as being strong, brave, and determined
n
the quality of being manly; masculine character or style
Morpheme Breakdown
manly
ness
manly
adjective
ness
noun suffix
Etymology
the word 'manliness' is a modern english formation built upon the older adjective 'manly'. the core element, 'man', traces back to proto-germanic 'mann-', which originally meant 'person' or 'human being', before its meaning narrowed to specify an adult male. the addition of the old english suffix '-lic' (modern '-ly') created the adjective 'manly', meaning 'having the qualities appropriate to a man'. finally, the abstract noun-forming suffix '-ness', also from old english, was appended to produce 'manliness', denoting the collective quality or state of possessing those masculine attributes. this etymological journey reflects a semantic shift from a general term for humanity to a specific set of culturally-defined virtues associated with masculinity.
Analysis
Structure: manly (adjective) + ness (noun suffix)
- manly: from old english 'mannlic' (human, masculine), from 'mann' (person, man) + '-lic' (adjective suffix). origin: proto-germanic.
- ness: from old english '-nes', '-ness', a suffix forming abstract nouns of state or quality. origin: proto-germanic.
Examples
his old-fashioned sense of manliness prevented him from showing any emotion.
the film explores themes of courage and manliness in a time of war.
she admired his quiet strength and dignity, a different kind of manliness from the boastful sort.