manhood

USAGE SUMMARY

'manhood' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a certain stage of a male's life or to describe qualities such as strength and courage that are traditionally associated with males. For example, "He received great respect from his peers for his exemplary manhood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

In 1986, Gloria Steinem wrote that if men got periods, they "would brag about how long and how much": that boys would talk about their menstruation as the beginning of their manhood, that there would be "gifts, religious ceremonies" and sanitary supplies would be "federally funded and free".

The Guardian - Opinion

This satire isn't new: Gloria Steinem's wonderful essay If Men Could Menstruate still resonates, nearly 40 years after it appeared in Ms Magazine ("Young boys would talk about it as the envied beginning of manhood. Gifts, religious ceremonies, family dinners, and stag parties would mark the day").

The Guardian - Opinion

Yes, there's the jaw-dropping tale of the southern rock bad boys (original singer Ronnie Van Zant was among the band members who died in a plane crash in 1977), but also Ribowsky's wider discussion of southern manhood, the theme of Skynyrd's Sweet Home Alabama.

The Guardian - Film

Ashley's character, Stefan, is given a choice: to take a path into manhood that follows the cynical wisdom of a street don, or to accept the salvation offered by his embattled teacher.

The Guardian

And not just a doctor but one who calls in the nurse from the next room so she can share a laugh at your risible manhood.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Question from nadinemazloum 1- How hard is it to change the constructs of "manhood" when we see the most educated of males exhibiting misogyny as a sign of power in Lebanon?

The Guardian

(To be fair, the programmes are much better now than they were in 1965, and you can skip the adverts).Read more: "Men adrift", our Essay on the nature of modern manhood.

The Economist

As for Turkey, it was longing to display its manhood, and indeed invaded Cyprus very efficiently.

The Economist

A dearth of male teachers to act as role models is sometimes highlighted.Shifting definitions of manhood and changes in the nature of work also enter into the debate.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

David Manhood acted as a guarantor for his daughter Catherine, who graduated in 2014, while she studied for a nursing degree at King's College London.

The Guardian

American manhood not the macho-Hemingway kind, but the feckless, almost-made-it sort—has long been Mr Ford's chief subject.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "manhood" to denote the qualities, state, or period of being a man, especially in contexts concerning maturity, societal roles, or traditional rites of passage.

Common error

Avoid using "manhood" when a more inclusive term like "adulthood" or "maturity" would be more appropriate, especially in contexts not specifically related to gender.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "manhood" is as a noun. It denotes the state, time, or qualities of being a man. Ludwig examples show its usage in various contexts, from physical development to societal expectations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "manhood" is a noun that describes the state of being a man, encompassing physical maturity, societal roles, and associated qualities. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and utility in various contexts. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Science sources, indicating a relatively neutral register, though it can also appear in more formal or informal settings. When writing, it's crucial to be aware of the potential for gendered language and to consider whether more inclusive terms might be appropriate. Related terms include ""adulthood"" and "masculinity", each carrying slightly different connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

state of being a man

A descriptive phrase that emphasizes the condition of being male.

male coming-of-age

Specifically refers to the transition to adulthood for males.

adulthood

Focuses on the state of being an adult, rather than specifically male.

achieving manhood

Highlights the act of attaining the status of a man.

masculinity

Emphasizes the qualities and attributes associated with being male, not necessarily the state of being a man.

maturity

Highlights the state of being fully developed, applicable to both genders.

male identity

Focuses on the formation and expression of a male's sense of self.

male maturation

Highlights the process of becoming a man.

maleness

A more clinical term for being male.

coming of age

Focuses on the transition from youth to adulthood, irrespective of gender.

FAQs

How to use "manhood" in a sentence?

You can use "manhood" to refer to the state of being a man, the period of a male's life after puberty, or the qualities associated with being a man. For example: "He embraced the responsibilities of "adulthood" as he entered "manhood"."

What can I say instead of "manhood"?

You can use alternatives like ""adulthood"", "masculinity", or "maturity" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "manhood" or "boyhood"?

"Manhood" refers to the state of being a man, while "boyhood" refers to the state of being a boy. They are both correct but used in different contexts to describe different stages of life.

What's the difference between "manhood" and "masculinity"?

"Manhood" generally refers to the state of being a man or the period in a male's life when he is no longer a boy. "Masculinity", on the other hand, refers to the qualities and attributes associated with being male, such as strength, courage, and assertiveness.