miss etymology
Etymological Origin
The word "miss" has its roots in two languages:
- Middle English: "missen," meaning to err, go astray, or be without
- Old French: "mesprendre," meaning to take the wrong path
Meaning
In contemporary English, "miss" has several meanings:
- To fail to hit, reach, or achieve something: She missed the target by a mile.
- To be absent from: She missed her appointment.
- To feel a sense of longing or regret for someone or something that is absent: I miss my childhood home.
- To address a woman who is unmarried or has a name unknown to the speaker: Miss Jones, I'd like to make an appointment.
- As a title of respect for an unmarried woman or female teacher: Miss Jane Doe
Origin of Usage
- In the early 1500s: The word "miss" began to be used as a term of address for unmarried women.
- By the 1600s: It had gained widespread acceptance as a respectful way to address a woman without using her full name.
- In the 19th century: The term "miss" was commonly used in schools to address female teachers, as a sign of respect.
- Today: The use of "miss" as a title of respect for unmarried women is still widely prevalent, particularly in formal settings and in some cultures.
miss relate terms
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cubit
Etymology The word cubit derives from the Latin term cubitus which means elbow I
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missing
Etymology The word etymology comes from the Greek roots etymon meaning true sense
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miss
Etymological Origin The word miss has its roots in two languages Middle English mi
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mistress
Etymology The word mistress derives from the Old French word maistresse which in tu
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attend
Etymology Old French atendre Late Latin attendere from ad to towards tendere
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have
Etymology is the study of the origin and development of words including their form and me
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tuffet
Etymology The word tuffet is derived from the Middle English word tuffet meaning a
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bachelorette
Etymology The word bachelorette is derived from the Old French word bacheler meaning
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travel
Etymology The English word travel derives from the Old French word travailler which
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lass
Etymology The word lass derives from two possible sources Old English las meani
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forget
Forget Etymology Old English forgietan from Proto Germanic for getan to forget neg