Langimage
English

mister

|mis-ter|

A2

🇺🇸

/ˈmɪstər/

🇬🇧

/ˈmɪstə/

respectful title for a man

Etymology
Etymology Information

'mister' originates from the Middle English word 'maister', which was derived from the Old French 'maistre', meaning 'master'.

Historical Evolution

'maistre' transformed into the English word 'mister' through Middle English.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'master', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of a respectful title for a man.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a title used before a surname or full name to address or refer to a man without a higher or honorific or professional title.

Mister Smith will see you now.

Synonyms

Noun 2

a term used to address a man whose name is not known.

Hey mister, you dropped your wallet!

Synonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:39