Definition

Noun: * A woman who is a Jew; a Jewish woman. This term is now considered dated and often offensive. The preferred modern term is "Jewish woman."

Usage

• This word functions solely as a noun to specify a female person of the Jewish faith or ethnicity.
• Important Note on Usage: While historically neutral, the term "Jewess" is now largely archaic and can be perceived as derogatory or othering. It is recommended to use "Jewish woman" instead in all contexts.

Examples

• Historical/Literary Context:
• Modern Preferred Usage:

Advanced Usage

• The suffix "-ess" is often used in English to denote a female counterpart (e.g., actress, waitress). However, many such terms have fallen out of favor in modern usage in favor of gender-neutral or unmarked forms (e.g., actor, server). "Jewess" follows this pattern of being replaced by the unmarked "Jewish woman."

Variants and Related Words

• Jew (noun): A person belonging to the Jewish people, either by religion or ethnicity. This is the standard, unmarked term.
• Jewish (adjective): Of or relating to Jews, their culture, or their religion. (e.g., , ).

Synonyms

• Jewish woman
• Israelite (archaic/biblical context)

Antonyms

• Gentile (a person who is not Jewish)

Noun

1. a woman who is a Jew