Mister
/ˈmɪs.tər/noun
A polite form of address for a man.
Did you know?The term 'Mister' originally denoted a master or one who has authority, linked to the medieval caste system where status was everything.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
magister
“A title of authority, meaning 'master' or 'teacher', used to denote someone with control or expertise.”
Old French
Old French
maistre
“Derived from Latin, this term continued to signify someone in a position of power or mastery.”
Middle English
Middle English
mister
“A form of address for a man, evolving from 'maistre', used to denote a man of respect.”
Modern English
Modern English
mister
“Standardized as a polite form of address for men, signifying respect and authority.”