MANFUL

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does manful mean? 

• MANFUL (adjective)
  The adjective MANFUL has 2 senses:

1. possessing qualities befitting a man

2. characteristic of a man

  Familiarity information: MANFUL used as an adjective is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• MANFUL (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Possessing qualities befitting a man

Synonyms:

manful; manlike; manly

Similar:

man-sized (calling for the strength of a man)

Also:

masculine (associated with men and not with women)

Derivation:

manfulness (the trait of being manly; having the characteristics of an adult male)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Characteristic of a man

Synonyms:

male; manful; manlike; manly; virile

Context example:

manly sports

Similar:

masculine (associated with men and not with women)

Derivation:

manfulness (the trait of being manly; having the characteristics of an adult male)

 Context examples 

And he was—honourable and manful—for two year going on, and we was just the same at home here as afore.”

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

She would very gladly have gone out to enjoy the bright wintry weather, but discovering that Laurie was dropping with sleep in spite of manful efforts to conceal the fact, she persuaded him to rest on the sofa, while she wrote a note to her mother.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

Laurie was a young lover, but he was in earnest, and meant to 'have it out', if he died in the attempt, so he plunged into the subject with characteristic impetuousity, saying in a voice that would get choky now and then, in spite of manful efforts to keep it steady...

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)