Feminine of Nouns starting with 'P'

The feminine of Patriarch is Matriarch.

Rule: This pair is formed with different prefixes (Pater- for father, Mater- for mother) derived from Latin.

Definitions:

• A Patriarch is the male head of a family or tribe.
• A Matriarch is a woman who is the head of a family or tribe.

Examples:

• The family's patriarch made all the important decisions.
• The oldest elephant in the herd is the matriarch, leading the others to water.

The feminine of Patron is Patroness.

Rule: The feminine is formed by adding the suffix "-ess."

Modern Usage: "Patron" is now widely used as a common gender noun for anyone who supports an artist, cause, or institution, or simply a customer.

Examples:

• He was a generous patron of the arts. (Could be male or female)
• The library held a special event for its patrons. (Customers)
• The wealthy patroness funded the construction of the new hospital wing. (Specific, more formal usage)

The feminine of Peacock is Peahen.

Rule: The gender is indicated by the second part of the compound word ('cock' for male, 'hen' for female). The species as a whole is called peafowl.

Definitions:

• A Peacock is a male peafowl, known for its long, iridescent tail feathers.
• A Peahen is a female peafowl, which has duller feathers.

Examples:

• The peacock displayed his magnificent tail feathers.
• The peahen carefully guarded her nest of eggs.

When referring to nobility, the feminine of Peer is Peeress.

Rule: The feminine title is formed by adding "-ess."

Note: In its more common modern usage, 'peer' (a person of the same age, status, or ability) is a common gender noun.

Definitions:

• A Peer is a member of the nobility in Britain or Ireland, comprising the ranks of duke, marquis, earl, viscount, and baron.
• A Peeress is the wife or widow of a peer, or a woman who holds a title in her own right.

Examples:

• The Peer took his seat in the House of Lords.
• The Peeress was known for her influential social gatherings.

The traditional feminine of Poet is Poetess.

Modern Usage: The term "Poetess" is now considered archaic and often patronizing. The title Poet is a common gender noun and is used for any person who writes poetry.

Examples:

• William Shakespeare is a famous English poet.
• Maya Angelou was a celebrated American poet and author. (Modern, correct usage)

The feminine of Policeman is Policewoman.

Modern Usage: The gender-neutral term Police Officer is the standard and preferred title for any member of the police force.

Examples:

• The police officer directed traffic after the accident. (Preferred)
• A policewoman was the first to respond to the call.

The feminine of Postmaster is Postmistress.

Modern Usage: Similar to other titles, "Postmaster" is sometimes used as a gender-neutral title, but "Postmistress" is still in common use.

Definitions:

• A Postmaster is a person in charge of a post office.
• A Postmistress is a woman in charge of a post office.

Examples:

• The new postmaster implemented a more efficient system.
• The village postmistress knew everyone by name.

The feminine of Priest is Priestess.

Note on Usage: The usage depends heavily on the specific religion. In many ancient or polytheistic religions (e.g., ancient Greek, Roman, pagan traditions), "Priestess" is the standard term for a female religious official. In religions where the priesthood is exclusively male (e.g., Roman Catholicism), there is no female equivalent.

Examples:

• The ancient Egyptian priest performed the rituals in the temple.
• The High Priestess was a revered figure in their society.

The feminine of Prince is Princess.

Rule: The feminine is formed by adding the suffix "-ess".

Definitions:

• A Prince is the son of a monarch.
• A Princess is the daughter of a monarch.

Examples:

• Prince William is the heir to the British throne.
• The story of Princess Diana is known around the world.

The feminine of Prior is Prioress.

Rule: The feminine is formed by adding "-ess."

Definitions:

• A Prior is the man who is the head of a priory (a religious house governed by a prior) or second in command at an abbey.
• A Prioress is a woman who is the head of a house of certain orders of nuns.

Examples:

• The Prior led the monks in their morning prayers.
• The Prioress in "The Canterbury Tales" is a well-known character.

The feminine of Prophet is Prophetess.

Modern Usage: While "Prophetess" is the correct traditional term, "Prophet" is increasingly used as a common gender noun.

Definitions:

• A Prophet is a person regarded as an inspired teacher or proclaimer of the will of God.
• A Prophetess is a female prophet.

Examples:

• Moses is a significant prophet in Abrahamic religions.
• In ancient Greece, the Oracle of Delphi was a famous prophetess.

The feminine of Proprietor is Proprietress.

Modern Usage: "Proprietor" is now almost always used as a common gender noun. "Proprietress" is considered archaic.

Definitions:

• A Proprietor is the owner of a business, or a holder of property.
• A Proprietress is a female proprietor. (Archaic)

Examples:

• The proprietor of the shop greeted the customers. (Can be male or female)

The feminine of Protector is Protectress.

Modern Usage: "Protector" is generally used as a common gender noun. "Protectress" sounds formal or literary.

Definitions:

• A Protector is a person or thing that protects someone or something.
• A Protectress is a female protector. (Formal/Literary)

Examples:

• He sees himself as his family's protector.
• She was a fierce protector of animal rights.

The feminine of Protégé is Protégée.

Rule: This word, from French, adds an extra 'e' for the feminine form, similar to 'fiancé/fiancée'.

Definitions:

• A Protégé is a person who is guided and supported by an older and more experienced or influential person (a male or in a gender-neutral sense).
• A Protégée is a female protégé.

Examples:

• The young artist was the protégé of a famous painter.
• The successful businesswoman was proud of her talented protégée.

These words refer to 'father'.

• The feminine of Papa is Mama (or Mamma).
• The feminine of Pater (Latin for father) is Mater (Latin for mother).

Usage: "Papa" and "Mama" are informal family terms. "Pater" and "Mater" are very formal, archaic, or used in specific contexts like "alma mater".

The noun Painter is a common gender noun. The title applies to any person who paints, either as an artist or as a trade.

The noun Pastor is a common gender noun. It refers to a minister in charge of a Christian church or congregation, regardless of gender.

The noun Principal is a common gender noun. It is the modern, preferred title for the head of a school, replacing the gendered "Headmaster" and "Headmistress."

These are all common gender nouns. For most, we specify gender by adding "male" or "female". Some have technical terms:

• Pig: Masculine is Boar. Feminine of pig is Sow.
• Pigeon: Masculine is Cock. Feminine of Pigeon is Hen.
• Parrot: No common specific terms. Use "male/female parrot".
• Panda: No common specific terms. Use "male/female panda".