Misses Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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misses

[ˈmɪsɪz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

feeling

plural of miss; the feeling of longing for someone or something that is absent or lost

Synonyms

desire, longing, yearning.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
misses

This word is typically used when someone is feeling the absence of a person, place, or thing they care about.

  • She misses her family after moving to a new city.
  • He misses the days when he used to travel freely.
longing

This word connotes a deep, often melancholic, feeling of wanting something or someone that seems unattainable or distant.

  • There was a longing in her eyes as she watched the kids playing.
  • His longing for his hometown grew stronger every day.
yearning

Similar to 'longing,' this word is used to describe an intense, often unfulfilled, desire for something or someone.

  • She felt a yearning to reconnect with old friends.
  • His yearning for adventure led him to plan a bold trip.
desire

This word is used to describe a strong feeling of wanting something or someone. It can be used in various situations, whether romantic, material, or aspirational.

  • She has a strong desire to become an artist.
  • His desire for success drives him to work hard.

Examples of usage

  • She couldn't help but feel the misses of her childhood home.
  • His absence left a void of misses in her heart.
Context #2 | Noun

mistakes

plural of miss; mistakes or failures

Synonyms

errors, failures, mistakes.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
misses

Use this when someone fails to hit a target or notice something.

  • He repeatedly misses the target during practice.
  • She always misses the key points in the meeting.
mistakes

Generally used to describe incorrect actions or decisions due to lack of knowledge or attention. It carries a less formal and less severe connotation compared to 'errors'.

  • I made a mistake in my math homework.
  • Forgetting her birthday was a big mistake.
failures

This word carries a stronger negative connotation and is used when someone or something does not achieve the desired outcome or end result.

  • The experiment was a complete failure.
  • His repeated failures in business have left him discouraged.
errors

Best used in situations involving incorrect actions, calculations, or decisions, especially in formal or technical contexts.

  • The software program has multiple errors that need to be fixed.
  • A clerical error caused the discrepancy in the report.

Examples of usage

  • The misses in the report were due to lack of attention to detail.
  • Learning from your misses is important for personal growth.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Feeling of missing someone can trigger memories and emotions, making it a complex psychological experience.
  • Research shows that missing someone activates the brain areas associated with emotional pain.
  • Long-term absence can lead to feelings of loneliness, which may affect mental health.

Pop Culture

  • Many songs and movies capture the feeling of missing someone, such as 'Missing You' by John Waite.
  • TV shows often use the theme of characters missing each other to build emotional tension and connection.
  • Famous works of literature frequently explore the concept of missing loved ones to evoke deep sentiment.

Language Use

  • 'Miss' can also refer to failing to notice something, as in 'I miss the point of the argument.'
  • In some cultures, this term is used to express absence affectionately, as in calling a loved one 'I miss you so much.'
  • The phrase 'miss the boat' implies missing an opportunity, showing the word's versatility.

Education

  • In educational settings, teachers often emphasize the importance of attendance, noting how students miss key lessons.
  • Students can develop a sense of community with peers, and missing them can impact their learning experience.
  • Programs often include discussions about emotional wellbeing, focusing on how to handle feelings of missing friends.

Origin of 'misses'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'miss' comes from the Old English word 'missan,' which means 'to fail to hit or reach.'
  • In the 14th century, 'miss' started being used in the sense of feeling the absence of someone.
  • The term 'miss' evolved to include emotional senses, originated from physical contexts.

The word 'misses' originated from the Middle English word 'missen' meaning to fail to hit or reach. Over time, it evolved to represent both the feeling of longing for someone or something that is absent as well as mistakes or failures. The plural form 'misses' is commonly used in English to denote these two meanings.


See also: dismiss, miss, missed, missile, mission, missive, remiss.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,983, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.