virile
Strongly, stereotypically male
Virile describes qualities associated with mature masculinity—physical strength, sexual potency, and assertive energy.
A virile man projects robust health and vigor: He remained virile into his seventies.
The word extends to anything showing forceful vitality: virile prose, a virile performance.
Unlike masculine, virile emphasizes potency and vigor rather than gender alone.
Traditionally masculine in bearing
- machoOverly masculine manner
- testosteroneChief male sex hormone
- machismoExcessive masculine pride
- swaggerConfident, boastful manner
alpha · patriarchal · dominant · chauvinist · masculine · masculinity · manliness · rugged
Having much vigor
- dynamicActive and changing
- vitalEssential or sustaining existence
- vitalityCapacity for spirited existence
- staminaCapacity for sustained effort
endurance · forceful · spirited · lively · zestful · peppy · vibrant · lusty
Having great physical power
- powerfulHaving great strength
- sturdySolidly built, durable
- hardyAble to endure difficulty
- brawnyPhysically powerful, well-muscled
muscular · strapping · stalwart · burly · beefy · husky · tough · hearty
Degree of strength
- libidoInnate erotic drive
- procreativeRelating to producing offspring
- aphrodisiacArousal-inducing substance
- fertilityCapacity for reproduction
prowess · seminal · reproductive · fecund · generative · begetting · siring · fathering
manly
Traditionally masculine in bearing
- machoOverly masculine manner
- testosteroneChief male sex hormone
- machismoExcessive masculine pride
swagger · alpha · patriarchal · dominant · chauvinist · masculine · masculinity · manliness · rugged · assertive
energetic
Having much vigor
- dynamicActive and changing
- vitalEssential or sustaining existence
- vitalityCapacity for spirited existence
stamina · endurance · forceful · spirited · lively · zestful · peppy · vibrant · lusty · robust
strong
Having great physical power
brawny · muscular · strapping · stalwart · burly · beefy · husky · tough · hearty · stout
potency
Degree of strength
- libidoInnate erotic drive
- procreativeRelating to producing offspring
- aphrodisiacArousal-inducing substance
fertility · prowess · seminal · reproductive · fecund · generative · begetting · siring · fathering · seed
virileweak
Lacking power or force
feeble · impotent · emasculated · frail · enervated
virileeffeminate
Male seeming feminine
unmanly · feminine · unmasculine · womanly · womanish