What is male? Pronunciation and usage in English

male means . Learn how to pronounce and use male through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of male

maleadjective

/meɪl/
Definition & pronunciation of male

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "male." Here's a breakdown and some tips:

The Basic Pronunciation:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /meɪl/ (rhymes with "mail" or "tail")

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

  • "ma": Pronounced like the "ma" in "mama" or "madam." It's a short, clear "ah" sound.
  • "le": Pronounced like "l" as in "light" followed by "eh" as in "bed." The "e" is a short, quick sound.

Tips for getting it right:

  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear it. Here are some resources:

    • Google Search: Simply search "how to pronounce male" on Google and you'll find audio clips.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/%25m%25ale/ - This website provides pronunciations by native speakers.
    • YouTube: Search for videos like "How to pronounce 'male' in English"

  • Stress: The stress is on the first syllable – "male."

  • Don't over-emphasize the "e": The "e" sound in "le" is subtle and quick. Don't stretch it out.

Common Mispronunciations:

  • Saying "meal": This is a common mistake. Remember to drop the "r" sound.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation?
  • Give you a slightly different accent example (like British)?

Usage and examples with the word male in English

Let's break down how to use the word "male" in English. It's a fairly straightforward word, but there are nuances to its usage.

1. Basic Definition:

  • Core Meaning: "Male" refers to a member of the sex that produces sperm – essentially, a boy or a man. It's often used to describe biological traits.

2. Common Uses & Examples:

  • Describing People:

    • "He is a male student." (Referring to his gender)
    • "The male responder indicated..." (In a survey or research context)
    • "That was a kind and generous male." (Describing a man’s character)
    • "Male nurses are becoming increasingly common." (Referring to the profession)

  • Zoology and Biology:

    • "Male lions typically have manes." (Describing a physical characteristic)
    • "The male deer was fighting for territory." (Describing animal behavior)
    • "Male honeybees are sterile." (Describing biological function)

  • Technical & Scientific Contexts:

    • "Male rats showed a higher incidence of the disease." (Research data)
    • "Male hormones can influence mood." (Medical information)

  • As an Adjective (Less Common): Sometimes “male” is used as an adjective to describe something masculine or typical of males, but this is less frequent and can be perceived as somewhat dated or even slightly stereotyped.

    • "He had a male attitude." (Often considered awkward; better rephrased.)

3. Important Considerations & Nuances:

  • Gender vs. Sex: This is a crucial distinction.

    • Sex refers to biological characteristics (chromosomes, hormones, anatomy). “Male” describes sex.
    • Gender is a social construct – a person’s identity, expression, and roles within a society. A person’s gender can be male, female, non-binary, or another identity. Using "male" exclusively to describe someone can be limiting.

  • Respectful Language: Be mindful of using inclusive and respectful language. Avoid assuming someone's gender based solely on their appearance or using assumptions. When unsure of someone’s preferred pronouns, using “they/them” as a neutral alternative is generally recommended.

  • Context Matters: The way "male" is used depends heavily on the context.

4. Alternatives & More Inclusive Options:

  • Men: Often a simpler and more direct alternative when referring to people.
  • Person: Useful when you want to avoid specifying gender.
  • Individual: Can be a more neutral term.
  • Boy/Man: Used with children or adult men, respectively.

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to use "male" in? (e.g., writing a story, doing a school assignment, talking to someone, etc.)
  • What is the specific context? (e.g., describing a group of animals, explaining a scientific concept, etc.)

Synonyms for the word male

Practice with vocabulary male

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The company aims to achieve a more balanced workforce, particularly by increasing the number of _______ professionals in technical departments.
  2. In many animal species, the _______ individual often displays more vibrant plumage or elaborate rituals during courtship.
  3. The university's latest report highlights significant disparities in academic performance between different _______ groups.
  4. She admired his strong, decisive leadership style, which many colleagues found to be quite _______.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (select all that apply)

  1. Which terms can correctly refer to an adult human of the sex typically producing sperm? a) Gentleman b) Male c) Masculine d) Man
  2. In a scientific study focusing on genetic predispositions, a researcher might analyze the chromosomes specifically from _______ subjects. a) masculine b) male c) paternal d) manly
  3. To describe a plant that bears only staminate (pollen-producing) flowers, you would typically use the term: a) androgynous b) hermaphroditic c) monoecious d) male
  4. Which adjectives best describe characteristics traditionally associated with strength, courage, or assertiveness, irrespective of biological sex? a) feminine b) valiant c) vigorous d) masculine
  5. When addressing a group of mixed-gender professionals, which salutation is generally considered inclusive and appropriate in a formal setting? a) Gentlemen b) Ladies and gentlemen c) Dear colleagues d) Guys

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Individuals of the sex that produces sperm are often more aggressive in territorial disputes. Rewrite the sentence, replacing the descriptive phrase with the word "male" or a related form.

  2. His leadership style, characterized by assertiveness and a decisive approach, was often perceived as embodying traditional male qualities. Rewrite the sentence, using a related noun form of "male" (e.g., "masculinity").

  3. The recent survey revealed that the adult humans of the sex which produces sperm are more likely to engage in risk-taking behavior. Rewrite the sentence, avoiding the word "male" but maintaining the original meaning.

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. male
  2. male
  3. gender
  4. masculine

Exercise 2:

  1. b) Male, d) Man
  2. b) male
  3. d) male
  4. b) valiant, c) vigorous, d) masculine
  5. b) Ladies and gentlemen, c) Dear colleagues

Exercise 3:

  1. Male individuals are often more aggressive in territorial disputes.
  2. His leadership style, characterized by assertiveness and a decisive approach, was often perceived as embodying masculinity.
  3. The recent survey revealed that men are more likely to engage in risk-taking behavior.

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