mistress
|mis/tress|
B2
/ˈmɪstrəs/
woman in authority or relationship
Etymology
Etymology Information
'mistress' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'maistresse,' where 'maistre' meant 'master.'
Historical Evolution
'maistresse' transformed into the Middle English word 'maistresse,' and eventually became the modern English word 'mistress.'
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'female teacher or governess,' but over time it evolved into its current meanings of 'woman in authority' and 'lover.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a woman in a position of authority or control.
She is the mistress of the house.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Noun 2
a woman who has a continuing sexual relationship with a man who is married to someone else.
He kept a mistress for several years.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/02/02 01:21