Masculine
The active, protective, assertive, and logical forces of the universe β linear and momentary, but perpetual. (compare with Feminine)
How We Say It
masΒ·kyΙΒ·lin
Where It Comes From
Latin masculinus β male, of male sex. From masculus β male, manly. Originally a grammatical term, one of three Latin genders along with feminine and neuter. The extension to social and cosmological categories is ancient and varies across cultures.
How It's Been Used
Operates in grammatical, biological, psychological, archetypal, and cosmological registers. Jung's animus, the yang in Taoist thought, the Hindu Shiva β many traditions treat masculine and feminine as complementary cosmic principles independent of bodies. Modern gender theory has produced extensive analysis of how masculine identity is constructed, performed, and contested.