mistress

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mistress" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a woman who has power, authority, or control over someone, or in a historical context, it can refer to a woman in a position of authority or a female head of household. It is also commonly used to describe a woman who is in a romantic or sexual relationship with a married man. Example: "In the novel, the protagonist struggles with the complexities of being a mistress in a society that frowns upon such relationships."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Turner also had an estranged mistress, Sarah Danby Ruth Sheen Hannahnnah's aunt – with whom he had daughters, and who in the film "fumes with grievances against him".

The Guardian - Film

William and Middleton, who we now know became engaged on holiday in Kenya last month, have been together already for longer and know each other better than those involved in previous royal matches and there is no sign of a royal mistress lurking in the shrubbery.

The Guardian

En route, she meets a travelling salesman, Charles Drouet, who soon releases her from the drudgery of machine-work in the heartless city by making her his mistress.

The Guardian - Books

There is a painfully overwritten scene about ageing women being like roses who lose their bloom, delivered for the benefit of Louis's mistress Madame de Montespan (Jennifer Ehle), who is being passed over for the implicitly younger and fresher Madame de Maintenon.

The Guardian - Film

In real life, Weinberg's co-con-artist and mistress was a British woman called Evelyn Knight.

The Guardian - Film

It is true that Weinberg, like Rosenberg in the film, left his wife for his mistress – but the abandoned Marie, unlike Rosalyn, did not end her marriage by getting shacked up comfortably with a mobster.

The Guardian - Film

After Zola was found guilty of libel and fled to Kent, his mistress and illegitimate children joined him.

The Guardian

The west coast of Scotland is a most wondrous place but a capricious mistress, as likely to obscure with a thick pelt of dreich grey as reveal stunning land and seascapes.

The Guardian - Travel

Max Ophüls cast her as one of a group of prostitutes on an annual holiday in the country in Le Plaisir (1951), with Jean Gabin, and in Lola Montès (1955) as Josephine, Lola's maid, a calming influence on her notorious mistress.

The Guardian - Film

He also had a long affair with the writer and actress Mary Perdita Robinsonon, erstwhile mistress of the Prince of Wales.

The Guardian - Film

She was widowed a few months later during the civil war with Pancho Villa: then dumped another lover to become the mistress of Jose Vasconcelos, a Mexican intellectual and failed presidential candidate who nicknamed her a "tropical Scheherazade".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the specific context when using the word "mistress". It often carries connotations of infidelity and can be replaced with more neutral terms like "lover" or "partner" depending on the situation.

Common error

Be aware that the term "mistress" can sound outdated or offensive in some contexts. Opt for contemporary and respectful alternatives such as "partner" or "girlfriend" unless historical accuracy or specific nuance is required.

Linguistic Context

The word "mistress" functions primarily as a noun. Ludwig indicates it's used to denote a woman in a position of authority or, more commonly, a woman in an extramarital relationship. Examples in Ludwig showcase varied contexts, reinforcing its noun status.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "mistress" is a noun primarily used to describe a woman in a position of authority or, more frequently, a woman engaged in an extramarital relationship. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use, particularly in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. However, its usage requires careful consideration due to potentially negative connotations. Alternatives like "lover" or "partner" may be more suitable in neutral contexts. Always consider the specific nuance you wish to convey and your audience when choosing whether to use the word "mistress".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lover

A more general term for someone in a romantic relationship, without the implication of infidelity.

paramour

A somewhat archaic and literary term for a lover, often secret or illicit.

kept woman

Emphasizes the financial support provided to the woman in the relationship.

female companion

A more neutral term, devoid of the negative connotations associated with "mistress".

girlfriend

An informal term for a female romantic partner, generally implying a less formal or committed relationship than marriage.

female teacher

Refers to the professional role of a woman who instructs or educates.

dominatrix

Specifically refers to a woman who takes the dominant role in BDSM relationships.

boss

Indicates a woman who is in charge or has authority, especially in a workplace.

female head of household

Highlights a woman's position of leadership within a family or home.

female owner

Indicates a woman who possesses something, like a company or property.

FAQs

What does the term "mistress" typically refer to?

The term "mistress" typically refers to a woman in an extramarital relationship, especially a sexual one. It can also refer to a woman in a position of authority or control, although this usage is less common today.

What can I say instead of "mistress" in a neutral context?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "lover", "partner", or "girlfriend". The best choice depends on the specific relationship and the desired level of formality.

Is it appropriate to use the term "mistress" in formal writing?

The term "mistress" can be used in formal writing when describing historical relationships or when the specific connotation is necessary. However, in many contemporary contexts, more neutral terms are preferred.

What's the difference between "mistress" and "lover"?

"Mistress" usually implies an extramarital affair, while "lover" is a more general term for someone in a romantic relationship, regardless of marital status.