maiden

/'meidn/

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The word "maiden" can be used both as an adjective and a noun, and it has a few different meanings. Here’s a simple explanation for you:

As an Adjective:

1. Meaning: When "maiden" is used as an adjective, it describes something that is the first of its kind. It often refers to something that has never been done before.
2. Usage Instructions: You can use "maiden" before a noun to indicate that it is the first occurrence of something.
3. Example: "The ship made its maiden voyage across the ocean" means this was the first time the ship traveled on that route.

As a Noun:

1. Meaning: As a noun, "maiden" can refer to an unmarried girl or young woman, especially one who is a virgin.
2. Usage Instructions: You can use "maiden" to describe a girl or young woman in a literary or formal context.
3. Example: "The maiden stood by the window, looking out at the garden." Here, "maiden" refers to a young woman.

Advanced Usage:

1. In cricket, "maiden" refers to a specific type of over where no runs are scored by the batting team.
   • Example: "The bowler delivered a maiden over, which means the batting team didn't score any runs in that set of six balls."

Word Variants:

• Maidenly (adjective): Referring to the qualities typically associated with a maiden, such as innocence or purity.
  • Example: "She had a maidenly charm that captivated everyone."

Different Meanings:

• Maiden can also imply the idea of something being new or original, like a maiden speech which is the first speech given by someone in a particular assembly or gathering.
  • Example: "His maiden speech in parliament was well received."

Synonyms:

• For the adjective meaning: first, inaugural, initial, introductory.
• For the noun meaning: girl, young woman, damsel.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There are no common idioms or phrasal verbs that specifically use the word "maiden," but you might encounter phrases like "maiden voyage," which is commonly understood in maritime contexts.

Summary:

• "Maiden" is a versatile word that can refer to something new or first (as an adjective) or to an unmarried girl (as a noun).

Academic

Adjective

1. serving to set in motion
   • the magazine's inaugural issue
   • the initiative phase in the negotiations
   • an initiatory step toward a treaty
   • his first (or maiden) speech in Congress
   • the liner's maiden voyage

Noun

1. (cricket) an over in which no runs are scored
2. an unmarried girl (especially a virgin)

Synonyms

• inaugural
• initiative
• initiatory
• first
• maiden over
• maid