mrs
Definition
Noun: - A title of respect used before the surname or full name of a married woman, regardless of her husband's status. It is the standard form of address for a married woman who does not use another professional or academic title.
Usage
- Mrs. is used as a courtesy title in formal and polite contexts.
- It is typically followed by the woman's married surname (e.g., Mrs. Smith).
- In traditional use, it was sometimes followed by her husband's first and last name (e.g., Mrs. John Smith), but modern usage favors the woman's own first name or initial (e.g., Mrs. Jane Smith or Mrs. J. Smith).
Examples
Advanced Usage
- "Mrs." vs. "Ms.": "Mrs." traditionally indicates a married woman, while "Ms." is used for a woman regardless of her marital status. "Ms." is often preferred in professional or formal contexts when marital status is unknown or irrelevant.
- Historical Context: The title is an abbreviation of "Mistress," which historically denoted a woman in authority, such as the female head of a household. Its meaning narrowed over time to its current use.
Variants and Related Words
- Ms.: A title for a woman that does not indicate her marital status.
- Miss: A traditional title for an unmarried woman or girl.
- Madam: A formal term of address for a woman, often used in correspondence or service contexts (e.g., "Dear Madam").
Synonyms
- Madam: A formal synonym, though more general.
- (Note: There is no direct single-word synonym that carries the exact connotation of marital status.)
Related Phrases
- Mr. and Mrs.: A common pairing used to address a married couple formally.
- The letter was sent to Mr. and Mrs. Johnson.
Noun
-
a form of address for a married woman
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