Masculinity is, according to Collins Dictionary, possessing qualities or characteristics considered typical of or appropriate to a man. The term can be used to describe any human, animal or object that has the quality of being masculine. When masculine is used to describe men, it can have degrees of comparison—more masculine, most masculine.
In many cultures, the basic characteristics of masculinity include physical prowess (strength, fitness, and a lack of laziness), courage, wisdom, and honourable or righteous behaviour.
The opposite can be expressed by terms such as unmanly or epicene. A typical near-synonym of masculinity is virility (from Latin vir, man); and the usual complement is femininity.
However, in modern day society, masculinity can be a very obvious stereotype that a number of men try to live up to. Some men, trying to secure themselves as a masculine role model, may exercise to gain muscle, to seem stronger and more tough, may cover themselves in tattoos, to again, seem tough and unbreakable and may partake in activities such as martial arts or boxing.
Bear in mind, these are stereotypes, derived from modern day society, by no means a man without these attributes is less of a man.
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