Governessing: meaning, definitions and examples
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governessing
[ ˈɡʌvərnəsɪŋ ]
childcare management
Governessing refers to the act of being a governess, which is a woman employed to teach and train children, especially in a private household setting. This role involves providing education in subjects ranging from academics to social etiquette, often in a more personalized and intimate environment compared to traditional schooling.
Synonyms
education, teaching, tutoring.
Examples of usage
- She took up governessing to educate the children of the wealthy family.
- Governessing allows for tailored lessons that cater to individual learning styles.
- In the 19th century, governessing was a common profession for women.
- Many governesses also act as companions to the children they teach.
Translations
Translations of the word "governessing" in other languages:
🇵🇹 governança
🇮🇳 शासन
🇩🇪 Regierung
🇮🇩 pemerintahan
🇺🇦 управління
🇵🇱 zarządzanie
🇯🇵 統治
🇫🇷 gouvernance
🇪🇸 gobernanza
🇹🇷 yönetim
🇰🇷 지배
🇸🇦 إدارة
🇨🇿 vláda
🇸🇰 správa
🇨🇳 治理
🇸🇮 upravljanje
🇮🇸 stjórn
🇰🇿 басқару
🇬🇪 მმართველობა
🇦🇿 idarəetmə
🇲🇽 gobernanza
Etymology
The term 'governess' dates back to the early 17th century, derived from the Old French word 'governer', meaning 'to govern' or 'to direct'. Initially, the role of a governess was linked to the broader concept of governance, implying authority and control over the upbringing and education of children in noble families. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, as the middle class began to rise in prominence, the position of a governess became more popular, and the term evolved to specifically denote a woman in charge of teaching children at home. Governessing became particularly significant in Victorian England, where it was often seen as a respectable profession for educated women, allowing them to earn a living while maintaining a degree of social standing. Despite the changes in educational practices and the rise of formal schooling systems, the concept of governessing has not entirely disappeared, as some families still prefer personalized education for their children.