The word "manhood" is spelled with the letters m-a-n-h-o-o-d. The first syllable, "man," is pronounced with the short vowel sound /æ/. The second syllable, "hood," is pronounced with the vowel diphthong /ʊd/. This word refers to the state or condition of being a man, typically in reference to maturity and responsibility. The spelling of this word is consistent with other words containing the suffix "-hood" which denotes a state, condition, or quality of being.
Manhood refers to the state or quality of being an adult male, typically associated with physical and emotional characteristics specific to mature males. The concept of manhood encapsulates a variety of cultural and social attributes that define masculinity within a particular society or community.
At its core, manhood encompasses the physical aspects of male adulthood, such as sexual maturity, the ability to father children, and the development of secondary sex characteristics like facial hair and a deeper voice. However, manhood is more than just a biological state; it is often intertwined with various cultural expectations and societal roles. These expectations can include traits like strength, courage, and the ability to provide and protect.
Additionally, manhood involves the emotional and psychological aspects of male maturity, which can include qualities such as resilience, self-reliance, and the ability to control one's emotions. In many cultures, manhood is associated with exhibiting traits like independence, leadership, and a sense of responsibility towards family and community.
While manhood can be seen as a universal concept, its specific definition can vary across different communities and historical periods. It is influenced by factors such as cultural norms, gender roles, and societal expectations. As society evolves, so too does the concept of manhood, reflecting changes in attitudes towards gender roles and masculinity.
• State of one who is advanced beyond boyhood; human nature; the qualities of a man; courage.
• See man.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "manhood" comes from Old English roots. It is derived from the Old English word "monnhōd", which is a combination of "monn" (meaning "man") and "hōd" (meaning "quality" or "state of"). Together, they form "monnhōd", which evolved into "manhood". It has maintained its meaning throughout the history of the English language, referring to the state or quality of being an adult male.