Mrs Meaning

UK ˈmɪsɪz
US ˈmɪzɪz
Word Definition
mrs meaning

Mrs Definition & Usage

abbreviation

A polite form of address used for a woman, typically one who is married, followed by her surname. It is the contracted form of 'Mistress'.

Examples

  • "Mrs. Smith is hosting the meeting today."
  • "I spoke with Mrs. Johnson about the upcoming event."
  • "We received an invitation from Mrs. Clark to attend a dinner."
  • "Please direct your questions to Mrs. Thompson, our team leader."
  • "Mrs. Brown is the head of the department."
abbreviation

A formal or respectful title used for addressing a woman, irrespective of her marital status, often as part of a professional or respectful greeting.

Examples

  • "Excuse me, Mrs. Davis, could I have a moment of your time?"
  • "Good afternoon, Mrs. Jenkins, how are you today?"
  • "I’m so glad to see you, Mrs. Williams!"
  • "Could you ask Mrs. Carter if she has completed the report?"
  • "Mrs. Young is going to be the keynote speaker at the conference."

Cultural Context

The title 'Mrs.' has been in use for centuries, originating from the Middle English word 'Mistress,' which was a term of respect for a woman, whether married or not. Over time, 'Mrs.' came to be specifically associated with married women, in contrast to 'Miss,' which was used for unmarried women.

A Respectful Encounter

Story

A Respectful Encounter

In a small office in the heart of the city, Mrs. Sarah Williams sat at the head of a large table, her posture straight and poised. She was known for her sharp mind and meticulous attention to detail, making her the perfect candidate to lead the upcoming corporate meeting. As the other employees began to trickle in, they all greeted her with a formal 'Good morning, Mrs. Williams' — a title that, for all its simplicity, carried with it a weight of respect and experience. It was clear that Sarah, despite her warm smile and approachable demeanor, commanded respect from all who worked with her. As the meeting progressed, Sarah found herself addressing several points of contention that had been brewing in the company. Her voice was calm, her language precise, but there was an unmistakable authority in her tone that made everyone listen. 'I appreciate your input, Mrs. Clark,' she said, turning to one of her senior colleagues. The use of 'Mrs.' was not just a courtesy but a recognition of Mrs. Clark's expertise and position within the company. It was a gesture that showed Sarah valued her opinion without compromising the formality of the discussion. Later that afternoon, as Sarah was preparing to leave the office, she bumped into Mrs. Thompson, another senior colleague, who was also preparing to head home. 'Good night, Mrs. Thompson,' Sarah said, the title flowing naturally from her lips. There was a sense of mutual understanding between them, a recognition of the roles each woman held in their professional world. The 'Mrs.' was a formality, but it was also a bond between two women who shared similar challenges and victories in the workplace. In the café downstairs, as Sarah sat down to grab a coffee, she overheard a conversation between two younger women who worked in the building. One of them, who had just started in the marketing department, was asking about Sarah's leadership style. 'I’ve heard a lot about Mrs. Williams,' the younger woman said. 'They say she’s tough, but she’s fair.' It was clear that for this new employee, the title 'Mrs.' wasn’t just a formal address—it was a marker of experience, competence, and authority. As the day drew to a close, Sarah reflected on the role that titles like 'Mrs.' played in shaping how she was perceived. While the title was a traditional one, it was still a meaningful one. It was a reminder of the respect she had earned over the years, not just as a leader but as a woman who had navigated a professional world that often saw titles like hers as markers of social standing. And for Sarah, that respect was as important as any business strategy or meeting agenda.

A Respectful Encounter