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Ms. (American English) or Ms (British English; normally , but also , or when unstressed) is an English-language honorific used with the last name or full name of a woman, intended as a default form of address for women regardless of marital status. Like Miss and Mrs., the term Ms. has its origins in the female English title once used for all women, Mistress, the feminine form of Mister and Master. It originated in the 17th century and was revived into mainstream usage in the 20th century. Its usage remains controversial in Britain, with many style guides recommending not to use it unless speci
Article
5 sectionsContents
- Historical development and revival of the term
- Usage
- Criticism
- Notes
- External links
Ms. (American English) or Ms (British English; normally , but also , or when unstressed) is an English-language honorific used with the last name or full name of a woman, intended as a default form of address for women regardless of marital status. Like Miss and Mrs., the term Ms. has its origins in the female English title once used for all women, Mistress, the feminine form of Mister and Master. It originated in the 17th century and was revived into mainstream usage in the 20th century. Its usage remains controversial in Britain, with many style guides recommending not to use it unless specifically requested to.
It is followed by a full stop, or period, in Canada and the United States, but not in many other English-speaking countries.