mother superior
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- The superior of a group of nuns: A "mother superior" is the title for the nun who is the leader or head of a religious community of women, such as a convent, abbey, or monastery. She holds the highest authority within that specific community.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The decision must be approved by the mother superior.
- Sister Margaret was elected mother superior of the convent.
- The mother superior oversees the daily operations and spiritual life of the sisters.
Advanced Usage
- "Reverend Mother": This is a formal and respectful form of address often used when speaking to or about a mother superior.
- The sisters brought their concerns to the Reverend Mother.
Variants and Related Words
- Superior (noun): A general term for the head of a religious community. "Mother superior" is a specific type of superior for a female community.
- Abbess (noun): The female superior of an abbey of nuns. This is a more specific title, often used in certain religious orders.
- Prioress (noun): The female superior of a priory, which is a smaller religious house, or a nun ranking next below an abbess.
Synonyms
- Abbess
- Prioress
- Superior (in a religious context)
Notes on Meaning
- The term "mother superior" specifically refers to the head of a of nuns. It is an official title and role within the structure of a religious order.
- It is a compound noun. The word "superior" here is used as a noun meaning "one in authority," and "mother" is an honorific title denoting spiritual care and leadership.
Noun
- the superior of a group of nuns