Governess: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿซ
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governess

 

[ หˆษกษ™vษ™rnษ™s ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

childcare profession

A governess is a woman employed to teach and train children in a private household. Unlike a nanny, who primarily focuses on childcare, a governess provides academic education and often oversees the overall development of the children in her care. This role has historically been associated with affluent families in need of personalized education for their children.

Synonyms

educator, instructor, tutor

Examples of usage

  • The governess taught the children how to read and write.
  • In the 19th century, many families hired a governess for their daughters.
  • She worked as a governess for a wealthy family in London.

Translations

Translations of the word "governess" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น governa

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค—เคตเคฐเฅเคจเฅ‡เคธ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Gouvernante

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ pengasuh

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะณัƒะฑะตั€ะฝะฐั‚ะพั€ะบะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ gubernator

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๅฎถๅบญๆ•™ๅธซ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท gouvernante

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ gobernanta

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท รถฤŸretmen

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ฐ€์ •๊ต์‚ฌ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ุฏูŠุฑุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ guvernantka

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ guvernantka

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅฎถๅบญๆ•™ๅธˆ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ guvernantka

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ uppalandi

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ั‚ำ™ั€ะฑะธะตัˆั–

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ’แƒแƒ•แƒ แƒ”แƒšแƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ gรถndษ™rษ™n

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ gobernanta

Etymology

The term 'governess' originates from the Middle English word 'governesse', which is derived from the Old French 'governer' meaning 'to govern'. The earliest use of the term dates back to the 15th century when it referred to a woman who held authority over children, particularly in noble or wealthy households. The role became more formalized in the 18th and 19th centuries, especially in Europe, as education for children, particularly daughters, became more important among the upper classes. Governesses were often educated women themselves, sometimes hailing from prestigious backgrounds, who were hired to provide a more refined education to girls who were not sent to formal schools. Governesses had an important role in shaping the moral and educational upbringing of children and were seen as crucial in instilling social etiquette and skills necessary for their future roles in society.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,393, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.