Madame: meaning, definitions and examples

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madame

[ˈmadəm ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

formal title

A title used to address or refer to a woman in a polite or formal way, especially in France.

Synonyms

Mrs., dame, lady.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
madame	Used to politely address or refer to a woman, especially in France. Often used in formal settings or when showing respect. Excuse me, madame, could you please help me with these directions? Madame Dupont will see you now.
Mrs.	A title used before a surname or full name to address a married woman. It is a formal and respectful way to refer to a married woman. Could you pass this message to Mrs. Smith? Mrs. Johnson is our new neighbor.
lady	A respectful or polite way to refer to or address a woman. Commonly used in both formal and informal situations. Please welcome our guest speaker, Lady Caroline. Be a gentleman and help the lady with her bags.
dame	Traditionally used as a title for a woman who has been given a knighthood or other honour in some English-speaking countries. It is also used informally to refer to an older or distinguished woman, but can sometimes have a slightly old-fashioned or playful connotation. Dame Julie Andrews received her title in 2000. She was known as the grand old dame of the theatre.

Examples of usage

Madame President, may I have a word with you?
I would like to introduce you to Madame Dupont, our guest of honor.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

brothel keeper

A woman who runs a brothel or manages a house of prostitution.

Synonyms

brothel keeper, pimp, procurer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
madame	This term is often used to refer to a woman who manages a brothel. It can have a somewhat professional tone and is generally used in more formal or narrative contexts. The madame was well-known in the city's underground circles. She made a living as a madame, running an upscale establishment.
brothel keeper	This phrase is similar to 'madame' but is more descriptive and straightforward. It typically has a formal tone and is used to clearly indicate the role without any nuance. The brothel keeper was arrested last night. She took over the business as the new brothel keeper.
pimp	This term has a very negative connotation and refers to a person who controls prostitutes and arranges clients for them, often exploiting them. It is commonly used in criminal or derogatory contexts. The pimp was notorious in the neighborhood. He lived off the earnings as a pimp, exploiting the women.
procurer	This term can refer to someone who obtains something, but in this context, it means a person who facilitates the prostitution of others. It carries a slightly formal tone and can be used in legal or official contexts. The procurer was charged with several counts of human trafficking. She was known as a procurer, arranging meetings for high-paying clients.

Examples of usage

The madame of the brothel was known for her strict rules and discretion.
The police arrested the madame and several of her employees in a raid on the establishment.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term derives from the Old French 'ma dame', meaning 'my lady'.
It was originally used to denote a woman of high rank or status in society.
Over time, it became a common courteous title for any woman, particularly in French-speaking cultures.

Cultural Usage

In many French-speaking countries, 'madame' is used formally in everyday interactions, especially in customer service.
In the context of a brothel, 'madame' refers to the woman in charge, illustrating a unique cultural connotation.
The term is commonly seen in the titles of classical operas and literature where characters of distinction are addressed.

Literature

In literature, characters referred to as 'madame' often embody sophistication and elegance, such as Madame Bovary in the famous novel by Gustave Flaubert.
'Madame' is frequently found in titles and dialogues in French literature, serving to elevate the social status of characters.
The term creates an air of formality and respect in various narratives, showing its importance in character development.

Pop Culture

Pop culture often uses 'madame' in titles, like 'Madame Tussauds', the famous wax museum named after the pioneering artist.
The term appears in movies and TV shows, often as a title for influential female characters, enhancing their stature.
Musical theatre also embraces 'madame' in songs and characters, emphasizing themes of respect and authority.

Psychology

'Madame' conveys respect and social hierarchy, which plays a role in interpersonal communication.
Addressing someone as 'madame' can invoke feelings of politeness and decorum in social situations.
Research suggests that the use of formal titles like 'madame' can positively influence perceptions of professionalism and competence.

Translations

Translations of the word "madame" in other languages:

🇵🇹 madame

🇮🇳 महिला

🇩🇪 Madame

🇮🇩 nyonya

🇺🇦 пані

🇵🇱 pani

🇯🇵 マダム

🇫🇷 madame

🇪🇸 señora

🇹🇷 hanımefendi

🇰🇷 마담

🇸🇦 سيدة

🇨🇿 paní

🇸🇰 pani

🇨🇳 女士

🇸🇮 gospa

🇮🇸 frú

🇰🇿 ханым

🇬🇪 ქალბატონი

🇦🇿 xanım

🇲🇽 señora

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,638, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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18635 grooming
18636 meson
18637 confessing
18638 madame
18639 deft
18640 ulnar
18641 trawl
...