Maiden meaning refers to a young unmarried woman. It can also describe something new, fresh, or in its initial state.
History of the Word Maiden
Historical Usage
In medieval Europe, the term maiden often referred to a young unmarried woman, especially one who had not yet had sexual relations. Maidens were expected to maintain their purity until marriage. The maidenhood of a woman was highly valued in various cultures.
Modern Usage
Today it less commonly refers to unmarried women, and its primary usage has shifted to describing something new, fresh, or in its initial state. For example, a maiden voyage refers to the first journey of a ship, and a maiden name is a woman’s last name before marriage. In this context, the maiden suggests a beginning or a starting point.
English (Maiden As Adjective)
Etymology
Maiden comes from Old English “mægden” and ultimately from Proto-Germanic “magadinō,” meaning a young woman.
Pronunciation
Pronounced as: /ˈmeɪdən/.
Forms of Maiden
| Degree | Form |
|---|---|
| Comparative Degree | More maiden |
| Superlative Degree | Most maiden |
| Adverb | Maidenly |
| Noun | Maidenhair |
Derived Terms
- Maidenhood
- Maiden voyage
- Maiden name
Translations of Maiden
- Spanish: Doncella
- French: Jeune fille
- German: Jungfrau
- Italian: Giovane donna
- Portuguese: Donzela
- Russian: Девушка (Devushka)
- Chinese (Simplified): 少女 (shàonǚ)
- Japanese: 乙女 (otome)
- Maiden meaning in Hindi: कुमारी (kumari)
- Urdu: کنواری (kunwari)
Synonyms
- Virgin
- Young woman
- Unmarried woman
- Miss
- Bachelorette
Antonyms
- Married woman
- Wife
- Matron
- Spinster (in some contexts)
Example Sentences
- The ship embarked on its maiden voyage across the ocean.
- She decided to keep her maiden name after getting married.
- The team achieved success in their maiden attempt.
FAQs (People May Also Ask)
What does maiden mean when referring to a young woman?
Maiden refers to a young unmarried woman, often emphasizing her unmarried status or virginity.
How is maiden used in a modern context?
In modern usage, maiden is less common in this context and is more often used to describe something new or in its initial state.
What is the opposite of maiden when referring to a young unmarried woman?
The opposite of a maiden in this context is often a married woman or wife, depending on the marital status.
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