Miss Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/mɪs/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun or title of respect

Definition

A title of respect used to address a young woman, especially one who is unmarried, or a term of endearment.

Examples

• She was referred to as Miss Smith for her exceptional work in the field.
• In many countries, “Miss” is a common title of respect used to address a young woman.

Synonyms

• Lady
• Madam

Antonyms

• Mr.
• Ms.

Etymology

The word “Miss” originated in the 15th century from the Latin “mistress”, meaning “lady” or “woman”. Over time, the title of respect was adopted in many languages, including English.

Usage Notes

When addressing a woman, “Miss” is typically used until she gets married or reaches a certain age, usually around 18 or 21. After marriage, she is usually referred to as “Mrs.” or “Mrs.” followed by her husband’s surname.

Cultural References

“Miss” has been used in various cultural references, such as the popular song “Mississippi” by Elvis Presley, or the television series “Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries”.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

“Miss something” means to miss or forget something, often unintentionally. For example, “I missed my flight because I overslept.”

Related Words or Phrases

“Ms.” and “Mrs.” are often used interchangeably with “Miss”, but they have slightly different connotations and are used in specific contexts.

Collocations

“Miss” is often used in combination with other words, such as “Miss Universe”, “Miss America”, or “Miss Congeniality”.

Frequency of Use

“Miss” is a commonly used title of respect in many languages, including English, and is often used in cultural references, idiomatic expressions, and everyday conversation.

Common Misspellings

Common misspellings of “Miss” include “Mist” or “Mess”.