Reading Theme:
Male: Definition, Examples, and Usage Guide (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：a man or boy (male)
male
/meɪl/
adj., n.
A person of the sex that does not give birth to babies, like a man or a boy.
a man or boy
➕
/ə mæn ɔːr bɔɪ/
adj., n.
A person belonging to the sex that typically has XY chromosomes and produces small, motile gametes (sperm).
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'masculus' meaning 'male, masculine', diminutive of 'mas' ('male person').
💡 Mnemonic
Think of a 'mail' truck delivering packages — but remember it's 'male' with an 'e', like 'he'.
📖 Example
We need both male and female volunteers for the study on exercise habits.
We need both male and female volunteers for the study on exercise habits.
🔗 Collocations
male dominated – predominantly occupied by men
male counterpart – the equivalent male person or thing
male offspring – a son or male child
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
maleness (n.) – the quality or state of being male
male chauvinism (n.) – the belief that men are superior to women
📖 Cultural Story
The word 'male' traces back to Latin 'masculus', a diminutive of 'mas'. It has remained stable in meaning across centuries, commonly used in biology and social contexts to denote the sex that produces sperm.
Meaning 2：characteristic of men (male)
male
/meɪl/
adj., n.
Describing something that is typical of or belongs to men or boys.
characteristic of men
➕
/ˌkærəktəˈrɪstɪk əv mɛn/
adj., n.
Relating to or typical of men or male animals; having qualities traditionally associated with masculinity.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
He has a very deep male voice, which makes him perfect for narrating documentaries.
He has a very deep male voice, which makes him perfect for narrating documentaries.
🔗 Collocations
male voice – a deep voice typical of men
male perspective – a viewpoint typical of men
male bonding – the formation of close friendships among men
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
male chauvinist (n.) – a man who believes men are superior to women
male pattern baldness (n.) – common hair loss in men
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