madam

/'mædəm/
Học thuật
Thân thiện
Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A polite or formal term of address for a woman: Used to show respect when speaking to or about a woman, often in formal or service contexts.
    • The female head of a household or establishment: A woman in a position of authority or management, particularly in a domestic or institutional setting.
    • A woman who manages a brothel: The female proprietor of a house of prostitution.
Usage and Examples
  • As a polite/formal address:
    • "Excuse me, madam, your table is ready." (A waiter speaking to a female customer.)
    • "Can I help you, madam?" (A shop assistant addressing a female client.)
  • Referring to a woman in authority:
    • She is the madam of the house and makes all the important decisions.
  • Referring to a brothel keeper:
    • The story is about a powerful madam in the city's underworld.
Advanced Usage and Nuances
  • "Dear Madam": A formal salutation used at the beginning of a business letter or email when the recipient's name is unknown.
    • "Dear Madam, I am writing to inquire about..."
  • "Madam Chair/Madam President": A formal title used to address a woman presiding over a meeting or organization.
    • "I yield the floor to Madam Chair."
  • The term can imply a degree of formality, social status, or authority. Its use has declined in everyday informal English in favor of "Ms." or "Ma'am."
Variants and Related Words
  • Ma'am /mæm/ (noun): A contraction of "madam," commonly used in direct address, especially in American English.
    • "Yes, ma'am," the soldier replied.
  • Madame /məˈdæm/ (noun): The French equivalent, often used as a title for a married woman or in the names of businesses (e.g., ).
Synonyms
  • Ma'am: (Informal/contracted form of address)
  • Mrs.: (Title for a married woman)
  • Ms.: (Title for a woman, marital status unspecified)
  • Lady: (A polite term for a woman)
Notes on Different Meanings
  • The primary, neutral meaning is a polite form of address.
  • The meaning of "brothel keeper" is a specific, often historical or literary usage and is not the default meaning in modern polite conversation.
  • The choice between "Madam," "Mrs.," "Ms.," or "Ma'am" depends on context, formality, and the woman's stated preference.
Noun
  1. a woman who runs a house of prostitution
  2. a woman of refinement
    • a chauffeur opened the door of the limousine for the grand lady

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