virile

/ˈvɪraɪl/ (bre, ipa) · [vˈɪrəl] /ˈvɪrəl/ (ame, ipa) · [vˈɪrəl] /ˈvir-əl How to pronounce virile (audio) ˈvir-ˌī(-ə)l How to pronounce virile (audio) British also ˈvī(-ə)r-ˌī(-ə)l/ (ame, mw)

virile — adjective

  • virilepositive
  • virilercomparative
  • virilestsuperlative

1. Describes a man who has strong sexual attractiveness and physical energy, making

1.形容詞C1
釋義

Describes a man who has strong sexual attractiveness and physical energy, making him appealing to others through his confident, masculine presence.

例句

Diego's confident, virile presence made him stand out at the dance club.

virile presence — physical appeal and confidence

The film magazine called the actor 'the most virile leading man of his generation.'

同義詞
  • masculine

    broader term for any male-associated quality; less intense and less specifically about sexual energy

  • manly

    positive and admiring tone for male qualities; less formal and less focused on sexual appeal

反義詞
  • effeminate

    describes a man whose appearance or manner is seen as feminine

文法句型

virile + noun

be/look/seem + virile

用法筆記

Typically used to describe adult men in media reviews, film criticism, or literary contexts. Can sound old-fashioned or clichéd in everyday conversation about ordinary people.

常見錯誤

❌He has a virile personality.' (vague — virile implies physical and sexual energy, not just any trait).
✅He has a virile, athletic build that draws attention.
💡virile specifically connects to physical/sexual vitality, not personality alone.

2. Full of power, strength, and vigorous energy — said of actions, performances, st

2.形容詞C1
釋義

Full of power, strength, and vigorous energy — said of actions, performances, styles, or forces that feel forceful and dynamic.

例句

The orchestra gave a virile performance of the symphony that left the audience breathless.

virile performance — energy and power in a creative work

Nala admired the virile strokes of ink in the calligraphy master's bold composition.

同義詞
  • vigorous

    emphasizes healthy, energetic activity; can describe people of any gender

  • forceful

    highlights impact and strength; does not carry the masculine connotation

  • powerful

    more common and general; lacks the energetic, dynamic quality of virile

反義詞
  • weak

    lacking power or force

  • feeble

    lacking strength and energy

文法句型

virile + noun

be/look/seem + virile

用法筆記

Applied to things other than people — performances, art, writing, or natural forces. Emphasizes a combination of raw strength and lively energy, not just power alone.

常見錯誤

❌The runner showed virile speed.' (speed alone does not fit — virile implies sustained power).
✅The runner showed virile endurance throughout the marathon.
💡virile energy suggests stamina and force, not quickness.

3. Showing the personal qualities that society has traditionally seen as belonging

3.形容詞B2
釋義

Showing the personal qualities that society has traditionally seen as belonging to men, such as courage, strength, independence, and toughness.

例句

Emre felt uncomfortable with the pressure to adopt a more virile image at work.

virile image — socially expected masculine appearance or behaviour

The novel's hero displays virile courage in the face of overwhelming danger.

同義詞
  • masculine

    most direct synonym; slightly less intense and less formal than virile

  • manly

    overlaps heavily with virile but is more positive and less literary in tone

反義詞
  • effeminate

    having qualities traditionally regarded as feminine rather than masculine

  • unmanly

    lacking the qualities expected of a man

文法句型

virile + noun

be/look/seem + virile

用法筆記

Some modern speakers consider this sense stereotypical or outdated because it assumes fixed gender roles. Used increasingly with awareness that masculine traits are not exclusive to men.

常見錯誤

❌My sister is very virile.' (virile refers specifically to male-associated qualities; awkward when applied to women).
✅My brother has a virile, commanding presence on stage.
💡use virile for men; for women use 'strong,' 'assertive,' or 'confident.'