mlle.: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Archaic, Literary
Quick answer
What does “mlle.” mean?
A contraction and traditional title for an unmarried woman, derived from the French 'Mademoiselle'.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A contraction and traditional title for an unmarried woman, derived from the French 'Mademoiselle'.
Used as a formal title of courtesy preceding the surname of an unmarried woman in historical, French-influenced, or literary contexts. It is largely obsolete in modern English usage.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is equally rare in both dialects. It may have had slightly more historical currency in British English due to closer ties with French aristocracy. In American English, it's largely confined to references to French history or characters.
Connotations
Connotes formality, antiquity, and Frenchness. It can evoke a sense of historical or literary setting.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency. Most native English speakers would encounter it only in period literature or historical texts.
Grammar
How to Use “mlle.” in a Sentence
Mlle. + [Surname]the + Mlle. + [Surname]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used in modern business.
Academic
Only in historical or French literary studies.
Everyday
Never used in contemporary everyday English.
Technical
Not applicable.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mlle.”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mlle.”
- Pronouncing it as /məl/ or /mɪl/.
- Using it in modern correspondence.
- Writing it without the period (.) as 'Mlle'.
- Confusing it with 'Mme.' (Madame).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is the abbreviation for the French word 'Mademoiselle', meaning an unmarried woman or girl, equivalent to the English 'Miss'.
No, it is considered archaic and is only encountered in historical contexts, classic literature, or when referring to historical French figures. The modern English 'Miss' or 'Ms.' is used instead.
In an English context, you would typically say the full word it abbreviates: 'Mademoiselle' (/ˌmædəm(w)əˈzel/). Alternatively, when reading text, you might simply substitute it with the English 'Miss'.
'Mlle.' (Mademoiselle) is the traditional title for an unmarried woman. 'Mme.' (Madame) is the title for a married woman, a widow, or a woman who uses the title by default in modern French, equivalent to 'Mrs.' or 'Ms.'.
A contraction and traditional title for an unmarried woman, derived from the French 'Mademoiselle'.
Mlle. is usually formal, archaic, literary in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common English idioms use this term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'Mademoiselle' and drop the 'ademoi' to get 'Mlle.' – the French 'Miss'.
Conceptual Metaphor
TITLE IS STATUS (an archaic marker of marital status and formality).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'Mlle.' most likely be found today?