Meaning of the Word
Mrs. is a title used before the surname or full name of a married woman. It is a respectful form of address that signifies the woman’s marital status.
Definitions and Meaning in English
- A title used to address or refer to a married woman, typically placed before her surname.
- A term of respect for a woman who is married or assumed to be married, indicating that she has taken her husband’s surname (in many cultures).
- A courtesy title used as a formal address to a woman in many English-speaking countries.
History and Origin
The term Mrs. is a contraction of Mistress, which was used in English since the 14th century to address a woman with authority, often regardless of her marital status. Over time, the use of Mistress evolved, and by the 17th century, Mrs. came to specifically indicate a woman who was married. The title Miss was traditionally used for unmarried women, and Ms. later emerged as a neutral form of address in the 20th century.
Detailed Explanation
Mrs. is traditionally used to address a woman who is married. It is followed by her husband’s last name, although in modern usage, it can sometimes also be used with the woman’s first and last name if she is known by both names. The title signifies that the woman is married but does not necessarily indicate her professional or social status beyond her marital situation.
In modern contexts, Mrs. is seen as somewhat dated compared to Ms., which can be used for both married and unmarried women. While Mrs. is still commonly used, Ms. has become more widespread as a neutral term in professional or casual contexts where a woman’s marital status is not relevant.
Example Sentences
- Mrs. Smith will be attending the meeting later today.
- When we met, she was Mrs. Brown, but now she’s Mrs. Taylor.
- Mrs. Jones is our next-door neighbor, and she’s always very friendly.
- He addressed her as Mrs. Cooper, as she was married at the time.
- Mrs. Green invited us to dinner at her house next weekend.
- She introduced herself as Mrs. Williams after marrying her husband.
- Mrs. Carter’s presentation was both informative and engaging.
- As Mrs. Lee entered the room, everyone stood up in respect.
- Mrs. Clark decided to change her professional title to Ms. after her divorce.
Synonyms with Short Explanation
- Missus – An informal version of Mrs., often used in speech to refer to a married woman.
- Wife – A woman who is married to a man, often used in place of Mrs. in some contexts.
- Lady – A respectful term for a woman, sometimes used in place of Mrs. in formal settings.
- Madam – A formal term of address for a woman, though it can also refer to a woman of authority.
- Spouse – A gender-neutral term for a person’s husband or wife, used in more formal contexts.
Related Words with Short Explanation
- Miss – A title used for an unmarried woman, typically younger or not married.
- Ms. – A modern, neutral title for a woman, regardless of marital status.
- Madame – A French-derived title of respect for a woman, similar to Mrs. in English.
- Mistress – An older term, used historically to address a woman of authority or a married woman, now largely replaced by Mrs.
- Dame – A title of respect, often used in the UK to honor women for their contributions, similar in some ways to Mrs.
More Matches with Short Explanation
- Madam – A formal or respectful address for a woman, often used in professional contexts.
- Matron – A term for a married woman, especially one in charge of a household or institution.
- Matriarch – A woman who is the head of a family or group, often seen as an authority figure.
- Widow – A woman whose spouse has passed away, typically referred to as Mrs. when discussing her previous married status.
- Lady – A formal or polite term for a woman, sometimes used to show respect, similar to Mrs. in specific contexts.
Antonyms
- Miss – A title for an unmarried woman, used in contrast to Mrs..
- Bachelor – A man who is unmarried, often used as a counterpart to a married woman.
- Single – Referring to someone who is not married or in a relationship, often used in contrast to a married woman.
- Divorcee – A woman who has been divorced, and might choose to be addressed as Ms. instead of Mrs.
- Widower – A man whose wife has passed away, similar to widow for women.