French Conversation · Level 73
60 words
French word
virilité
Pronunciation
IPA/viʁilite/
Meaning
- feminine nounmasculinity
Example
La virilité ne se mesure pas seulement à la force.
Masculinity is not measured only by strength.
More examples
Il essaie toujours de montrer sa virilité devant ses amis.
He always tries to show his virility in front of his friends.
Core concept
A cultural model of manhood linked with commanding behavior, resilience, courage, and physical power.
Common phrases
faire preuve de virilité
demonstrate virility
montrer sa virilité
show one's virility
Similar words
masculinité: The qualities and idea associated with being male or masculine.
machisme: An exaggerated belief in male dominance and superiority.
bravoure: Bravery displayed in the face of hardship.
Definition in French
Ensemble de traits ou de comportements socialement associés aux hommes, comme l'autorité, la robustesse et le courage.
Word origin
The noun virilité comes from Latin virilitas, based on the adjective virilis for 'male', with the Latin ending developing into the French form.
Usage tips
- Virilité can also refer to sexual potency in some contexts, so its intended sense depends on the surrounding words and topic.