Mistress
'mɪstrɪs
Definitions
3 meaningsA woman who has a continuing sexual relationship with a man who is married to someone else.
'mɪstrɪs
The public was shocked by the news of the CEO's mistress.
💡 Simply: Imagine a woman dating a man who's already married to someone else. That woman is his mistress.
👶 For kids: When a grown-up has a special friend, but that friend is already married to someone else, that friend might be called a mistress.
More Examples
His affair with his mistress led to the breakdown of his marriage.
The rumors of his mistress caused a great deal of gossip in the community.
How It's Used
"The scandal broke when the mistress's affair with the married politician was revealed."
"In the novel, the protagonist's downfall began with his relationship with his mistress."
A woman in a position of authority or ownership, especially of a household or estate.
'mɪstrɪs
A woman in a position of authority or ownership.
The mistress of the estate managed the vast property and its staff.
💡 Simply: Like the boss of the house. If someone is in charge of a big house or estate, she's the mistress of the house.
👶 For kids: Someone like a queen who's in charge of everything.
More Examples
She was the mistress of her own destiny, making all the decisions.
The mistress of the house was known for her elegant dinner parties.
How It's Used
"The mistress of the house oversaw all the household staff."
"The mistress of ceremonies introduced the speakers at the gala."
A female teacher, especially in a private school.
'mɪstrɪs
The children were eager to please their mistress.
💡 Simply: The female teacher who's in charge of the classroom, especially in a fancy school.
👶 For kids: A teacher who's a lady!
More Examples
The young mistress taught the basic skills of reading and writing.
The school had a kind mistress who cared about the students.
How It's Used
"The school's headmistress addressed the parents at the opening ceremony."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
the mistress of something
A person who has control or command of a particular situation, area, or activity.
"She was the mistress of her own fate, making her own choices."
From Middle English *maistresse*, from Old French *maistresse* ('female master'), from *maistre* ('master'), from Latin *magister* ('master').
Historically, the term 'mistress' was used to denote a woman in authority or a female teacher, but it has evolved to mainly refer to the negative connotation.
Memory tip
Think of a secret 'mis' relationship with a 'stress'ful situation.
Word Origin
"Master (female form)"