sister carrie: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowLiterary, Academic
Quick answer
What does “sister carrie” mean?
The title of a 1900 novel by Theodore Dreiser, referring to its main character, Caroline "Carrie" Meeber.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The title of a 1900 novel by Theodore Dreiser, referring to its main character, Caroline "Carrie" Meeber.
A cultural reference to the novel itself, its themes of ambition, urbanization, and the American Dream, or to its protagonist as an archetype of the young woman moving from rural to urban life.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in usage, as it is a fixed title of an American novel. Recognition may be slightly higher in American academic contexts.
Connotations
Connotes American naturalist literature, social critique, and early 20th-century urban themes.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in everyday language, encountered almost exclusively in literary discussion.
Grammar
How to Use “sister carrie” in a Sentence
[Subject] read/studied/analyzed *Sister Carrie*.The novel *Sister Carrie* explores [theme].*Sister Carrie* is considered [evaluation].Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in literary studies, American history, and gender studies courses to refer to the novel or its themes.
Everyday
Extremely rare, only among those discussing literature.
Technical
Not used in technical fields.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sister carrie”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sister carrie”
- Using it as a common noun (e.g., 'She is a sister carrie').
- Misspelling as 'Sister Cary' or 'Sister Carrey'.
- Confusing it with other literary titles like 'Aunt Carrie'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is exclusively the title of a novel and is not used in everyday conversation.
No, book titles are typically not translated. It is known internationally as 'Sister Carrie'.
The novel explores themes of ambition, materialism, and the pursuit of the American Dream in a growing urban society.
Only in a very specific literary or metaphorical sense, comparing someone to the character Carrie Meeber. It is not a standard descriptor.
The title of a 1900 novel by Theodore Dreiser, referring to its main character, Caroline "Carrie" Meeber.
Sister carrie is usually literary, academic in register.
Sister carrie: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsɪs.tə ˈkær.i/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsɪs.tɚ ˈkɛr.i/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'sister' named Carrie who is the subject of a famous book.
Conceptual Metaphor
Not applicable as a proper noun.
Practice
Quiz
What is 'Sister Carrie' primarily known as?