anchorette: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Rare/ObsolescentJournalism/Media, now slightly dated; used historically in formal media contexts but now often considered archaic or unnecessarily gendered.
Quick answer
What does “anchorette” mean?
A female television presenter who introduces and coordinates segments of a news broadcast, often serving as the main presenter or host.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A female television presenter who introduces and coordinates segments of a news broadcast, often serving as the main presenter or host.
A female host or presenter, particularly of a news or talk program, who is positioned as a central figure. The term, though less common than 'anchor', was historically used to specifically denote a female anchor, but its use has declined in favor of the gender-neutral term 'anchor'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is far more documented in American media history, reflecting the prominence of network news anchors in US television. In the UK, terms like 'presenter', 'newsreader', or simply 'anchor' are and were more standard.
Connotations
In both varieties, the term now carries a slightly dated or quaint connotation. It can imply a traditional, mid-20th-century broadcast model. Its gendered nature may be viewed as non-inclusive by modern standards.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in contemporary corpora for both BrE and AmE. When found, it is usually in historical or metalinguistic contexts discussing gendered language in media.
Grammar
How to Use “anchorette” in a Sentence
serve as (the) anchorette for [programme]be the anchorette on [channel/network]appoint [someone] anchoretteVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used only in historical or linguistic analysis of gendered occupational terms in media studies.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
An obsolete technical term within the television broadcasting industry.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “anchorette”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “anchorette”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “anchorette”
- Using 'anchorette' in modern, non-historical contexts.
- Assuming it is the standard or polite term for a female anchor today.
- Misspelling as 'anchorrette' or 'anchorete'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is largely obsolete. The gender-neutral term 'anchor' is standard for all presenters in modern English.
Both are gendered terms for a female anchor. 'Anchorette' uses a French-derived diminutive/feminine suffix '-ette' and has a more dated feel. 'Anchorwoman' is more transparent but also less common than simply 'anchor'.
As part of a wider movement towards gender-neutral language in professional titles, the media industry adopted 'anchor' for all individuals, removing unnecessary gender specification.
No, using it today would likely be seen as archaic or potentially insensitive, as it highlights gender in a context where it is no longer considered relevant to the job title.
A female television presenter who introduces and coordinates segments of a news broadcast, often serving as the main presenter or host.
Anchorette is usually journalism/media, now slightly dated; used historically in formal media contexts but now often considered archaic or unnecessarily gendered. in register.
Anchorette: in British English it is pronounced /ˈæŋ.kə.ɹɛt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈæŋ.kə.ɹɛt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[to be] the face of the network”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Anchor + the feminine suffix '-ette' (like in 'kitchenette' or 'bachelorette') = a female anchor.
Conceptual Metaphor
ANCHOR IS A FOUNDATION/STABILITY POINT (The anchorette provides stability and centrality to the broadcast).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the MOST appropriate modern term for a female news presenter?