The term "Mademoiselle" has two recognized plural forms, reflecting both its French origin and its adaptation into the English language.
The Plural Forms of Mademoiselle
The plural of "Mademoiselle" can be formed in two distinct ways: mademoiselles or mesdemoiselles. Both are considered correct, with their usage often depending on the linguistic context and desired formality.
Here's a breakdown of the forms:
| Form | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mademoiselle | Singular (French) | Literally meaning "my young lady," it traditionally refers to a young, unmarried woman. In modern French usage, the distinction between "Madame" and "Mademoiselle" has largely been abolished in official contexts, with "Madame" now typically used for all adult women regardless of marital status. |
| Mademoiselles | Plural (Anglicized) | This is the most common and straightforward plural form when speaking or writing in English. It follows the standard English rule of adding an 's' to the end of a noun to make it plural. |
| Mesdemoiselles | Plural (Traditional French) | This is the historically correct and more formal plural form in French. It is derived from the fusion of the plural possessive adjective "mes" (my/our) and "demoiselles" (young ladies). While still grammatically correct, its use has become less frequent in everyday spoken French, especially given the broader societal shift away from differentiating women by marital status in address. |
Understanding Each Plural Form
-
Mademoiselles:
When "Mademoiselle" is adopted into English, the simplest way to pluralize it is by adding an 's' at the end. This makes it consistent with how most English nouns form their plural.- Example: "The arrival of several mademoiselles added a touch of elegance to the gathering."
-
Mesdemoiselles:
This form directly reflects the original French pluralization. In French, compound titles like "Mademoiselle" pluralize both parts of the word. "Ma" (my, singular) becomes "mes" (my/our, plural), and "demoiselle" becomes "demoiselles."- Example: "He addressed the group with a formal 'Bonjour, Mesdemoiselles!'"
- This form is more likely to be encountered in older texts, formal French writing, or when a speaker wishes to retain the precise French grammatical structure.
Context and Usage Tips
Choosing between "mademoiselles" and "mesdemoiselles" often depends on the context of your communication:
- For general communication in English, mademoiselles is widely understood and commonly used. It's less formal and aligns with English grammatical patterns.
- When aiming for linguistic precision in a French context, or when translating directly from French, mesdemoiselles is the traditional and grammatically accurate choice.
- It's important to note that the very use of "Mademoiselle" itself has seen a decline in France, with "Madame" becoming the default respectful address for all adult women in many official and public capacities, regardless of marital status. This reflects a broader movement towards gender equality and simplification of address.
