maid

/meid/

Friendly

Explanation of the Word "Maid"

Definition: The word "maid" is a noun that has a couple of meanings. Most commonly, it refers to a female domestic worker, someone who helps with household tasks like cleaning, cooking, and caring for children. It can also refer to an unmarried girl, often emphasizing that she is young or a virgin.

Usage Instructions:

• When using "maid" to refer to a domestic worker, it is often used in contexts related to household services.
• When referring to an unmarried girl, it is less common in modern English and may sound old-fashioned.

Examples:

1. As a Domestic Worker:

   • "The maid cleaned the house every day."

2. As an Unmarried Girl:

   • "In the story, the maid fell in love with the prince."

Advanced Usage:

In literature and historical contexts, "maid" can be used to evoke a sense of innocence or purity. For example, in fairy tales, you might read about a "fair maid" to describe a virtuous young woman.

Word Variants:

• Maidservant: Another term for a female domestic worker.
• Maidens: Refers to young unmarried women, often used in literary contexts.

Different Meanings:

1. Domestic Worker: A woman employed to do household tasks.
2. Unmarried Girl: A young woman, often used in historical or romantic contexts.

Synonyms:

• For Domestic Worker:

  • Housekeeper
  • Cleaner
  • Domestic helper

• For Unmarried Girl:

  • Young woman
  • Miss
  • Maiden (more poetic or historical)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• "Maid of honor": This term refers to the primary bridesmaid at a wedding.
• "Made to order": While not directly related, this phrase means something is created specifically to meet someone's needs.

Conclusion:

The word "maid" can have different meanings depending on the context. It's important to be mindful of how it is used, especially in modern language, where terms for domestic workers are evolving.

Academic

Noun

1. an unmarried girl (especially a virgin)
2. a female domestic

Synonyms

• maiden
• maidservant
• housemaid
• amah