Definition

A woman who has the title of count or earl, or the wife or widow of a count or earl in certain European countries.

Example

The countess hosted a grand ball at her estate.

Conversation

Have you ever met a real countess?

No, I haven't! That sounds fascinating.

I read about one who owns a huge castle.

Wow, I can only imagine how grand that must be!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Countess → It is formed from "count" (from Old French *comte*, meaning a nobleman or ruler) and "-ess" (a suffix used to denote female gender). The word "countess" refers to a female noble who holds the rank equivalent to a count.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'count' as a nobleman and the '-ess' as indicating a female — that's how a countess is a female noble.

Visually Confused Words