Virile — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ˈvir-əl/ vir·ile

Meaning & Definition of Virile

Virile (adjective)

  1. having traditionally masculine traits especially to a marked degree
  2. characteristic of or associated with men, masculine
  3. having the nature, properties, or qualities of an adult male; specifically, capable of functioning as a male in copulation

Virile (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. of, relating to, or marked by qualities traditionally associated with men

    "men were once expected to be interested only in such virile activities as hunting"

    similar: male, man-size, manlike, manly, mannish, masculine
    related: hairy-chested, hypermasculine, macho, ultramasculine, boyish, hoydenish, tomboyish, Amazonian, butch
    opposite: unmanly, unmasculine
    near: metrosexual, unmacho, effeminate, girlish, sissified, sissy, feminine, womanish, womanlike, womanly, emasculated, impotent, weakened, androgynous, neuter

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Virile

The most common words with a similar meaning to Virile:

male, man-size, manlike, manly, mannish, masculine

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Virile

Words with the opposite meaning of Virile:

unmanly, unmasculine

Related Words for Virile

hairy-chested, hypermasculine, macho, ultramasculine, boyish, hoydenish, tomboyish, Amazonian, butch

Near Antonyms of Virile

metrosexual, unmacho, effeminate, girlish, sissified, sissy, feminine, womanish, womanlike, womanly, emasculated, impotent, weakened, androgynous, neuter

Word Forms of Virile

Derived words: virilely (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Virile

Middle French or Latin; Middle French viril, from Latin virilis, from vir man, male; akin to Old English & Old High German wer man, Sanskrit vīra

First known use: 15th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Virile

What does "Virile" mean?

"Virile" means having traditionally masculine traits especially to a marked degree. As an adjective, it is defined as: having traditionally masculine traits especially to a marked degree.

What is another word for "Virile"?

Other words for "Virile" include male, man-size, manlike, manly, mannish and masculine. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Virile" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Virile"?

There are 15 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Virile". Common alternatives include male, man-size, manlike, manly, mannish and masculine.

What is the opposite of "Virile"?

Antonyms of "Virile" include unmanly and unmasculine. Near antonyms include metrosexual, unmacho, effeminate and girlish.

How do you use "Virile" in a sentence?

Examples of "Virile" in a sentence: "men were once expected to be interested only in such virile activities as hunting".

Is "Virile" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Virile" is an adjective.

How do you pronounce "Virile"?

"Virile" is pronounced /ˈvir-əl/ and divided into syllables as vir·ile.

What is the origin of the word "Virile"?

"Virile" comes from Middle French or Latin; Middle French viril, from Latin virilis, from vir man, male; akin to Old English & Old High German wer man, Sanskrit vīra. First known use: 15th century.