lady
Polite female address
A lady was originally the female counterpart of lord, that is, one having proprietary authority in feudal society.
Some of that formal association persists, but today lady is a polite and only slightly formal designation for females, the counterpart of gentleman.
Some women find the characterization lady sexist or chauvinistic when it occurs outside the common phrase, ladies and gentlemen.
Ladies is a common designation for a lavatory for women in a public place.
Adult female human
aunt · grandmother · matron · matriarch · maiden · damsel · queen · empress
Formal address for women
- ma'amPolite term for women
- missFail to reach
- madameBrothel proprietress
- mademoiselleFrench title for unmarried women
signora · signorina · señora · señorita · mistress · dame · memsahib · begum
Effortless beauty of motion
- poiseGraceful, unshakable calm
- refinementElegance of manner
- sophisticationCultured elegance and complexity
- dignityInnate personal worth
charm · polish · finesse · cultivation · distinction · gentility · decorum · propriety
woman
Adult female human
sister · aunt · grandmother · matron · matriarch · maiden · damsel · queen · empress · goddess
madam
Formal address for women
mademoiselle · signora · signorina · señora · señorita · mistress · dame · memsahib · begum · senhora
grace
Effortless beauty of motion
- poiseGraceful, unshakable calm
- refinementElegance of manner
- sophisticationCultured elegance and complexity
dignity · charm · polish · finesse · cultivation · distinction · gentility · decorum · propriety · composure
politeness
Courteous, respectful conduct
gallantry · respect · civility · graciousness · deference · decorum · propriety · gentility · consideration · cordiality
darling
Beloved person or pet
- sweetheartAffectionate name for beloved
- dearTreasured or costly
- loveIntense fond attachment
doll · belle · lass · angel · pet · dove · lamb · pearl · daisy · duck
- peoplepeople, persons, person, individuals, humans
- two-syllablesapple, baby, better, candle, chicken
- Medieval Europekings, queens, knights, castles, castle
- royaltyking, queen, prince, princess, kings
- Royalty & Nobilityking, queen, prince, princess, duke
- British aristocracyduke, duchess, earl, countess, baron
- old ladyElderly female, or mom
- young ladyYouthful female person
- ladies and gentlemenFormal crowd address
- old ladiesAged female persons
- ladies' nightsPromotional events targeting women
- dinner ladySchool cafeteria staff member
ladies, ladylike, ladybug, landlady, unladylike, ladyship, first lady, ladylove, ladyfinger