countess
word
Definition
A countess is a woman who has the rank of count in the nobility, or the wife of a count. It is a title used in royal or aristocratic systems.
Usage & Nuances
This is a formal historical title, not a word used in ordinary modern life. It appears most often in history, literature, period dramas, and discussions of European nobility. Do not confuse it with 'duchess' or 'princess', which are different ranks.
Example Sentences
The countess lived in a large castle.
basic
The countess spoke to the guests at dinner.
basic
She became a countess after marrying him.
basic
In that movie, the countess is the smartest person in the room.
natural
The novel makes the countess seem kind at first, but she is actually very cold.
natural
I had to look up what a countess was while reading that old book.
natural