How to Define "Virility"

Words in any language often have connotations or associations with the word. In the case of the word "virility" the images are associated with men. There are two basic definitions of the word "virility." According to the Free Dictionary, virility is defined as either masculine or potent. Though the literal definitions are straight forward, determining which definition is used in a sentence or paragraph is an important key to defining the word.

• 1

  Consider the culture of the individual speaking or writing. The culture can change the definition because each culture defines masculinity or manliness differently. For example, a one country might define masculinity as a man providing for his family while a wife stays at home while another country might define masculinity based on physical appearance instead. When the word "virility" is used by the first country, it is in the context of a man being a provider and protector while the context of the other country is that the man has a muscular and masculine appearance.

• 2

  Pay attention to the context of the word. In the sentence "That man is virile," the term can mean either that the man is masculine or it can mean that he is potent. If the context around the sentence is talking about a man with several children, the word is defined as potent. If the context refers to a man that is manly in appearance and attitude, the word is defined as masculine instead.

• 3

  Consider personal associations. Personal associations with a word can change the definition and create misunderstandings. If one person considers the word "virility" as masculine, while the other considers it as potent, confusion can arise when it is spoken in a sentence. When there are doubts, ask the other person for their definition of the word.