Page 36 - New Grammar with a Smile 5

Formation of Feminine Gender

Nouns of the feminine gender are formed in a number of ways.

1. by using an entirely different word. 4. by changing the spelling before adding
For example, ess. For example,

Masculine Feminine Masculine Feminine

buck doe duke duchess

husband wife master mistress

sir madam
5. by adding a suffix or a prefix.
horse mare For example,

monk nun Masculine Feminine

stallion mare
grandfather grandmother

father mother
he-goat she-goat
fox vixen
landlord landlady

2. by adding ess. For example, man-servant maid-servant

milkman milkmaid
Masculine Feminine
peacock peahen
baron baroness

count countess

giant giantess

heir heiress

3. by dropping the er or or and adding
ress. For example,

Masculine Feminine

tiger tigress

emperor empress

hunter huntress

waiter waitress

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