Man Meaning and Definition
Man
Pronunciation
/mæn/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A man is an adult human male. A human being, especially an adult male.
Examples
1. “He is a man in his 40s, with a family and a successful career.”
2. “The man in the street was asked for directions.”
Synonyms
1. Gent
2. Fellow
3. Chap
Antonyms
1. Woman
2. Girl
3. Boy
Etymology
The word “man” comes from Old English “mann”, meaning human being. The Proto-Germanic cognate is “manniz”, which is related to the Proto-Indo-European root “man-,” meaning to think.
Additional Information
Men are half of the human population, they are generally characterized by their masculine traits and behaviors. However, these traits and behaviors can vary greatly among individuals and cultures. Throughout history, men have played various roles in society, from warrior, farmer, and hunter to breadwinner and family provider. In recent years, there has been a growing focus on men’s health, including health issues specific to men such as prostate cancer and heart disease.
There are also various types of men, including older men, younger men, successful men, and men from different cultures and backgrounds. Additionally, men have been the subject of art, literature, and music throughout history, with many iconic figures and characters being male.
Mankind has made significant contributions to science, technology, and innovation, with many groundbreaking discoveries and inventions being made by men. However, men have also been responsible for many negative actions and behaviors, including violence, oppression, and exploitation.
Today, men are encouraged to be more emotionally expressive and to take on more caregiving roles, as well as to be more aware of their own mental and physical health. The concept of masculinity is also being redefined, with many men embracing more traditional and non-traditional roles and identities.
Usage Notes
When using the word “man”, it’s essential to consider the context and connotation. In some cases, the word may be used as a synonym for “mankind” or “humanity,” while in others, it may be used to refer specifically to adult males.
The word “man” can also be used in various idiomatic expressions, such as “man of the house” or “man’s best friend.” In these cases, the word loses its literal meaning and takes on a more figurative or metaphorical one.
When referring to a group of men, it’s common to use the word “men” rather than “man” in the plural form. For instance, “men” would be used in a sentence like “the men in the room were discussing the issue,” while “man” would be used in a sentence like “the man in the room was speaking.”
Cultural References
The word “man” has been referenced in numerous cultural works, including literature, music, film, and art. Some notable examples include:
The “Hunted Men” of Norse mythology, who were said to be pursued by the god Odin. This mythological story has influenced many artistic and literary works throughout history.
The character of Don Quixote, a knight-errant and protagonist of the novel “Don Quixote” by Miguel de Cervantes, who is often referred to as the quintessential “man of chivalry.” This character has been depicted in numerous art pieces and adaptations.
The term “man’s search for meaning” comes from Viktor Frankl’s book of the same name, which explores the human search for purpose and meaning in the face of suffering and adversity.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Some common idiomatic expressions or phrases that include the word “man” include:
– “Man of the house” or “head of the household,” referring to the male leader of a family or household.
– “Man of the people,” referring to a leader or representative who is seen as connected to and representative of the common people.
– “Man’s best friend,” referring to dogs, which are often said to be men’s closest companions.
– “Man-eater,” referring to someone or something that is perceived as a threat or devourer of men.
Collocations
Some common word combinations with the term “man” include:
– Man of violence or aggression.
– Man of action or adventure.
– Man of science or knowledge.
– Man of the streets or a common man.
Frequency of Use
The word “man” is one of the most common words in the English language, and its frequency of use can vary depending on the context and register. In general, it is used to refer to adult males, but it can also be used as a synonym for “mankind” or “humanity.”
Common Misspellings
Some common misspellings of the word “man” include:
– Maney (although this spelling is sometimes used in informal contexts)
– Mann
– Mon