manful

C2 Topic:Describing Qualities

US /ˈmæn.fəl/ UK /ˈmæn.fəl/ See IPA manual

Freq #203901

Meanings

1

adj
dated: showing courage, determination, or resolution

The newspaper praised their manful resistance, using the language of its period.
2

adj
historical and gendered: displaying qualities traditionally or stereotypically associated with men

The memoir described her direct manner as manful, reflecting nineteenth-century gender assumptions.

Thesaurus

Synonyms

1 adj · dated: showing courage,... courageous resolute valiant

2 adj · historical and gendered:... manly masculine

Opposites

timid irresolute

Word family

Forms manfully

Derived forms manfullymanfulnessunmanful

Related forms manly bravegendered language

Etymology

From Middle English manful, formed from man + -ful. It first praised courage or strength as qualities conventionally assigned to men. Because that association is historically gendered, modern use is uncommon except in older writing or discussion of past attitudes.

Topics

Describing Qualities Word Formation & Derivatives Register & Style

External links

# manful

**Type:** Word
**Level:** C2
**Part of speech:** adj
**IPA (US):** /ˈmæn.fəl/
**IPA (UK):** /ˈmæn.fəl/
**Frequency rank:** 203901

## Meanings
1. dated: showing courage, determination, or resolution
2. historical and gendered: displaying qualities traditionally or stereotypically associated with men

## Examples
- The newspaper praised their manful resistance, using the language of its period.
- The memoir described her direct manner as manful, reflecting nineteenth-century gender assumptions.

## Synonyms
- courageous
- resolute
- valiant
- manly

## Antonyms
- timid
- irresolute

## Derived Forms
- manfully
- manfulness
- unmanful

## Related Forms
- manly
- brave
- gendered language

## Etymology
From Middle English manful, formed from man + -ful. It first praised courage or strength as qualities conventionally assigned to men. Because that association is historically gendered, modern use is uncommon except in older writing or discussion of past attitudes.

## Topics
- Describing Qualities
- Word Formation & Derivatives
- Register & Style

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