lady
lady
Pronunciation
Lady
IPA Phonetic Spelling: /ˈleɪ.di/
Syllable 1: /leɪ/
/l/ as in "light" (voiced alveolar lateral approximant)
/eɪ/ as in "day" (diphthong)
Syllable 2: /di/
/d/ as in "dog" (voiced alveolar stop)
/i/ as in "happy" (short high front unrounded vowel)
Word Form Variations
Noun:
Singular: lady
Plural: ladies
Adjective (attributive use, or less common derived forms):
lady (e.g., ladybug, ladyfinger)
ladylike (derived, meaning appropriate for a lady)
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
A woman, especially one of high social standing, refinement, or polite demeanor. This is a formal or polite term for a woman.
Synonyms: woman, gentlewoman, madam, dame (dated/formal), noblewoman (if high-ranking)
Antonyms: gentleman (male counterpart), commoner (if referring to social class), boor (if referring to demeanor)
Used as a polite or respectful form of address for any woman.
Synonyms: madam, ma'am, miss (if younger/unmarried)
Antonyms: sir (male counterpart)
(Figurative) A woman who is the object of chivalrous attention or adoration; a beloved woman.
Synonyms: beloved, darling, sweetheart, paramour (if illicit), muse
Antonyms: adversary, rival, foe
(Informal, often plural 'ladies') Used humorously or ironically to refer to a group of women, or sometimes to one's female friends.
Synonyms: gals, women, girls (informal)
Antonyms: gentlemen, boys, men
(Capitalized, in specific titles or contexts) Used to refer to the Virgin Mary (Our Lady) or a titled noblewoman (e.g., Lady Mary).
Synonyms: Virgin Mary, noblewoman, peeress
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms for proper titles)
Examples of Use
Books:
"The elegant lady swept into the ballroom, commanding attention with every step." (From a fictional novel, generic example, emphasizing grace and social standing)
"The novel introduces a mysterious Lady of the Lake, guardian of a powerful sword." (From a fantasy novel, generic example, referring to a mythical figure or noblewoman)
"The etiquette guide provided advice on how to behave like a true lady in Victorian society." (From a non-fiction historical or etiquette book, generic example)
Newspapers:
"The First Lady delivered a powerful speech advocating for children's education." (From a national news report, referring to the president's wife)
"A local centenarian, a remarkable lady of 102, shared her secrets to a long and happy life." (From a human interest story, generic polite term for an older woman)
"The Queen of Pop remains a legendary lady of the music industry." (From an entertainment news report, metaphorical for an influential woman)
Online Publications:
"Tips for aspiring young professionals: How to carry yourself like a confident lady in the workplace." (From a career advice blog, e.g., Career Contessa)
"This viral video shows a kind lady rescuing a stray cat from a busy highway." (From a heartwarming news site or social media, generic example)
"The style guide breaks down the essential wardrobe items for a classic lady's summer." (From a fashion blog, e.g., WhoWhatWear.com)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "My Fair Lady." (Title of a famous musical film)
Television Series: "She's a tough lady, don't underestimate her." (Dialogue from a drama or action series, generic example, emphasizing strength)
Music (Song Lyrics): "She's a Lady, whoa whoa whoa, she's a Lady." (From "She's a Lady" by Tom Jones)
Video Games: "The quest requires you to rescue the noble Lady from the dragon's lair." (In-game objective or character description, e.g., Dragon Age or Skyrim)
Podcasts: "Our guest discusses the challenges and triumphs of being a pioneering lady in the tech industry." (From a business or women-focused podcast, generic example)
General Public Discourse:
"Excuse me, lady, do you know the way to the station?" (Common polite address)
"She's a real lady; always so polite and graceful." (Common compliment)
"Ladies and gentlemen, please take your seats." (Common formal address to an audience)
"That's a lovely ladybug on your flower." (Common observation about the insect)
"My grandmother is a sweet old lady." (Common affectionate description)
10 Famous Quotes Using Lady
“I am no bird; and no net ensnares me: I am a free human being with an independent will.” — Charlotte Brontë, "Jane Eyre" (spoken by Jane in response to being treated like a delicate “lady” to be possessed.)
“A lady's imagination is very rapid; it jumps from admiration to love, from love to matrimony in a moment.” — Jane Austen, "Pride and Prejudice"
“Every man needs a woman when his life is a mess, because just like the game of chess — the Queen protects the King.” (Often misattributed but popularized in modern quotes featuring the word "lady" in memes as: “Every man needs a lady…”)
“The strength of a woman is not measured by the impact that all her hardships in life have had on her, but the strength of a woman is measured by the extent of her refusal to allow those hardships to dictate her and who she becomes.” — C. JoyBell C. (frequently shared with variations including "lady" instead of “woman”)
“A lady knows when to leave the room — and when to dominate it.” — Oscar Wilde (paraphrased wit)
“The difference between a lady and a flower girl is not how she behaves, but how she is treated.” — George Bernard Shaw, "Pygmalion"
“Elegance is not about being noticed, it’s about being remembered — and that, darling, is the mark of a true lady.” — Giorgio Armani (paraphrased)
“Being powerful is like being a lady. If you have to tell people you are, you aren’t.” — Margaret Thatcher
“A lady should be two things: classy and fabulous.” — Coco Chanel
“I want a lady in the street but a freak in the bed.” — Ludacris, “What’s Your Fantasy” (Famous line from early 2000s pop culture, widely referenced.)
Etymology
The word "lady" has a very old and interesting origin, stemming from Old English and revealing how deeply connected social status was to everyday life.
It comes from the Old English word "hlǣfdīġe." Let's break that down:
"hlāf": This part meant "loaf" or "bread." (This is related to our modern word "loaf.")
"dīġe": This part meant "kneader." (This is related to the word "dough.")
So, literally, "hlǣfdīġe" meant "bread-kneader" or "loaf-kneader."
This original meaning reflected the role of the woman of the house, especially in a noble or wealthy household, who was responsible for overseeing the preparation and distribution of food, particularly bread, which was a staple. This position carried significant authority and respect.
The first known use and meaning of "lady" (from its Old English form) dates back to before 900 AD, referring to a mistress of a household, especially one of high rank or noble birth. It conveyed a sense of dignity and authority associated with managing the household and its provisions. Over time, the word simplified in pronunciation and spelling, and its meaning expanded to a polite term for any woman.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Lady
Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "lady," supplemented as needed:
First Lady: The wife of a head of state, particularly the President of the United States.
Lady luck: Personification of fortune or chance.
Lady of the house: The female head or mistress of a household.
Ladies and gentlemen: A polite form of address for an audience.
Our Lady: A title of respect for the Virgin Mary.
Old lady: (Informal) One's mother or wife; (sometimes pejorative) an older woman.
Lady's man: A man who is very popular with women or who enjoys their company.
A true lady: A woman who exhibits politeness, grace, and refinement.
The fine gentility: Referring to polite and well-mannered people, including ladies. (Synonymous concept)
A woman of substance: A woman of significant character, worth, or influence. (Original phrase, emphasizing a deeper quality than just "lady")
Graceful demeanor: Elegant and polite behavior, characteristic of a lady. (Original phrase, descriptive)
Queen of the ball: A woman who is the center of attention and admiration at a social event. (Metaphorical, similar to a "lady" of high regard)
A gentlewoman's touch: Delicacy and refinement in handling something. (Lesser-known, emphasizing the quality of a lady)
A poised presence: Calm and dignified bearing. (Synonymous with the composure of a lady)
The fairer sex: (Dated) Women collectively. (Synonymous idiom)
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of lady from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
