Respectful alternative to "Madam"

Question

Madam is the word to call a woman with respect. ( Though of course it has other meanings, too). Are there any other words used to call a woman with respect?

"Madam" is only vulgar if you call someone a madam. See here for some discussion. — , Sep 25 '11 at 05:23
Have you tried looking up synonyms in a thesaurus or dictionary? — Hugo, Sep 25 '11 at 07:50
In general, the use of a formal term of respect carries a high risk of being seen as sarcastic in any circumstances where that level of formality isn't more-or-less demanded. — Karl Knechtel, Sep 26 '11 at 08:39

score 3 · Accepted Answer · answered Sep 25 '11 at 04:59

3

There's dame, ma'am, lady, or noblewoman. Unfortunately, most of these are reserved titles for royalty. The one I find the most commonly used is ma'am (which is short for madam), although this too is a term used in Britain to address the queen or a royal princess according to Dictionary.com.

answered Sep 25 '11 at 04:59

Bill

946

Dame, like madam, isn't always respectful. – DJClayworth Jul 24 '20 at 03:29

score 2 · Answer 2 · answered Sep 25 '11 at 05:15

2

To some extent it also depends upon the context. @Bill provides helpful examples pertaining to royalty.

You can also use Miss, Ms, Mrs. suffixed by first or last name depending upon her position relative to the speaker.

This link may help.

answered Sep 25 '11 at 05:15

check123

2,113

score -1 · Answer 3 · answered Apr 17 '23 at 22:07

-1

Milady. Which is another term for "My lady." Milady shows respect and is less uptight as "madam." It can be used for royalty or just as a nice way to show appreciation and/or authority. It could be used as both in a way.

answered Apr 17 '23 at 22:07

Maddie

1

Respectful alternative to "Madam"

3 Answers3