virility
/vəˈrɪləti/ (bre, ipa) · [vɚˈɪləti] /vəˈrɪləti/ (ame, ipa) · [vɚˈɪləti] /və-ˈri-lə-tē How to pronounce virility (audio) British also vī-/ (ame, mw)
virility — noun
1. the physical and sexual strength of an adult man, especially his capacity to hav
the physical and sexual strength of an adult man, especially his capacity to have sex and father children
Hakim feared the long illness had robbed him of his virility.
collocation: robbed of + virility
The old temple carvings show male virility in great detail.
collocation: male virility
Diego's grandfather still moved with the virility of a younger man.
In many old stories, the lion stands for courage and virility.
Amara read that certain foods could help support male virility.
- masculinity
broader: covers social roles and appearance, not just physical power
- manliness
more traditional, stressing courage and stoicism alongside strength
- potency
narrower: refers strictly to sexual performance ability
- vigor
more general: physical energy and strength regardless of gender
- impotence
the inability to perform sexually
- effeminacy
the quality of having traits culturally labelled as feminine rather than masculine
用法筆記
Used specifically of adult men and their sexual or reproductive capacity. The word often carries traditional or cultural ideas about manhood.
常見錯誤
2. strong, forceful energy or power — used of anything that displays vigorous life
strong, forceful energy or power — used of anything that displays vigorous life or strength, not only men
The young distillery's virility rattled the two old breweries across the street.
figurative use: applied to an institution
The art critic praised Fatima's paintings for their raw virility and energy.
collocation: raw virility
The nation's economic virility drew investors from London, Tokyo, and São Paulo.
Yuki's closing argument had a virility that moved even the toughest jurors.
The typhoon's virility tore the old fishing boats from their moorings in the harbour.
- weakness
lack of strength or energy
- feebleness
a state of being physically or figuratively weak and ineffective
用法筆記
An extended, figurative use that applies the idea of vigorous strength to institutions, creative works, or natural forces. Less common than sense 1.