'masculinity' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'masculinitas,' where 'masculinus' meant 'male or masculine.'

'masculinitas' transformed into the Old French word 'masculinité,' and eventually became the modern English word 'masculinity' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'the state of being male,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'qualities or attributes regarded as characteristic of men.'