instructress
/in'strʌktris/
Definition
Noun: A female instructor; a woman who teaches or provides instruction.
Usage
The word "instructress" is used to specify that an instructor is female. It is a gendered noun. In modern English, the gender-neutral term "instructor" is generally preferred in most contexts. "Instructress" is now considered somewhat dated or formal, and its use is less common.
Examples
- The swimming instructress was very patient with the beginners.
- She worked as an instructress at the driving school for many years.
- In the 19th century, an instructress was often responsible for teaching young ladies music and etiquette.
Advanced Usage
- The term can sometimes be found in historical contexts, formal titles, or in certain traditional institutions to explicitly denote gender.
- Its usage highlights a time when professional roles were more commonly specified by gender.
Variants and Related Words
- Instructor (n): A person who teaches something; the standard, gender-neutral term.
- Instruct (v): To teach someone a subject or skill.
- Instruction (n): The act or profession of teaching; detailed information telling how something should be done.
Synonyms
- Teacher
- Tutor
- Coach (in a specific skill)
- Trainer
Antonyms
- Student
- Pupil
- Learner
Noun
-
a woman instructor
