Meaning & use
virile
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Meanings
adjectivecomparableapproving
Strong, energetic, and full of physical vigor in a way traditionally thought of as masculine; used of men.
Grammar: Used before a noun or after a verb: a virile man, he looks virile.
Patterns
- a virile man
- look virile
The actor was known for playing virile heroes in adventure films.
At seventy he was still a surprisingly virile man.
The statue shows a virile athlete in a bold pose.
adjectivecomparablemedical
Able to father children, said of a man who is fertile.
Grammar: Often used in medical or biological contexts for male fertility.
Patterns
- remain virile
The doctor reassured him that he was still virile.
Breeders select virile bulls for healthy calves.
The king's court worried that the heir was not virile.
adjectivecomparablefigurativeliterary
Showing strength, vitality, or forcefulness, as in writing, music, or a movement.
Grammar: Figurative use for non-people: virile prose.
Patterns
- a virile style
Critics praised the poet's virile, driving rhythms.
The young party had a virile energy that frightened its rivals.
The painter's virile brushwork stands out in the gallery.
Word forms
| comparative | more virile |
|---|---|
| superlative | most virile |
Common combinations
- a virile man
- The magazine described him as a virile man in his prime.
- virile image
- The ad projected a virile image of the brand.
- appear virile
- He wanted to appear virile in his portrait.
- remain virile
- Doctors said he would remain virile into old age.
- virile energy
- The orchestra played with virile energy.
Synonyms and how they differ
- manly
- Manly is a plainer everyday word about masculine qualities, while virile also hints at physical power or fertility.
- vigorous
- Vigorous describes energy in anyone or anything, whereas virile is tied to men.
- macho
- Macho is often critical and suggests showy toughness, but virile is usually neutral or admiring.
- robust
- Robust means strong and healthy in general and does not carry a masculine meaning.
Opposites
Word family
- virility noun
- manly strength, or male fertility
- virilize verb
- to cause male characteristics to develop (medical)
- virilization noun
- development of male characteristics
Commonly confused: virile or viral? virile or puerile?
virile vs viral
Viral relates to viruses or to online content that spreads quickly, whereas virile describes masculine strength.
virile vs puerile
Puerile means childish and silly; it has nothing to do with masculine vigor.
Practice
Which person would most naturally be described as virile?
Choose one answer.
Virile is used for men who are vigorous and strong. It would not fit a toddler or a woman, and tiredness contradicts the idea of vigor.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “virile”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.