Madam
Sign in to saveAlso known as Ma'am, Madame, Mme.
thumb | alt=Elisabeth de Meuron, or known as Madame de Meuron | Louise Elisabeth de Meuron was commonly known as Madame de Meuron. Madam (), or madame ( or ), is a polite and formal form of address for women in the English language, often contracted to '''ma'am' (pronounced in American English and this way but also in British English). The term derives from the French , from "" meaning "my lady".'' In French, the abbreviation is "" or "" and the plural is (abbreviated "" or ""). These terms ultimately derive from the Latin , meaning "mistress".
~7 min read
Article
6 sectionsContents
- Use as a form of address
- Formal protocol
- Other settings
- Military and police usage
- Use in non-native English-speaking societies
- References
thumb | alt=Elisabeth de Meuron, or known as Madame de Meuron | Louise Elisabeth de Meuron was commonly known as Madame de Meuron. Madam (), or madame ( or ), is a polite and formal form of address for women in the English language, often contracted to '''ma'am' (pronounced in American English and this way but also in British English). The term derives from the French , from "" meaning "my lady".'' In French, the abbreviation is "" or "" and the plural is (abbreviated "" or ""). These terms ultimately derive from the Latin , meaning "mistress".
==Use as a form of address== ===Formal protocol=== After addressing her as "Your Majesty" once, it is correct to address the Queen of the United Kingdom as "Ma'am" with the British short pronunciation (rhyming with "jam") for the remainder of a conversation. A letter to the Queen may begin with Madam or May it please Your Majesty. Other female members of the British royal family are usually addressed in conversation first as Your Royal Highness and subsequently as ''Ma'am.