Definition of virile

The word "virile" has its roots in Latin. The Latin word "virilis" means "manly" or "masculine," and is derived from "vir," which means "man." In ancient Roman culture, a "vir" was a adult male citizen, often associated with strength, courage, and power. When the Latin language evolved into the Romance languages, such as French and Spanish, the word "virilis" was adapted into "virile." In English, the word "virile" was borrowed from French in the 15th century, initially meaning "manly" or "having the qualities of a man." Over time, the meaning of the word expanded to include connotations of sexual potency and masculinity, particularly in the Victorian era. Today, the word "virile" is often used to describe qualities such as strength, courage, and physical attractiveness, particularly in the context of men.