hostess
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ˈhoʊstəs/
KK: /ˈhoʊstɪs/
noun
Definition
A woman who welcomes and helps guests, often in a restaurant or at events, and may also manage social gatherings.
Example
The hostess greeted us at the door and showed us to our table.
Conversation
Have you met the new hostess at the restaurant yet?
Not yet, but I heard she’s really friendly and welcoming.
Yeah, I think having a good hostess makes a big difference in the dining experience.
Absolutely! It sets the tone for the whole meal.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
emcee
entertainer
greeter
Antonyms
guest
patron
client
verb
Definition
To act as a person who entertains guests or visitors, typically in a social setting or event.
Example
She will hostess the dinner party at her house this weekend.
Tense Forms
Past: hostessed
Past Participle: hostessed
Conversation
Are you going to hostess the dinner party this weekend?
Yeah, I think it will be fun to have everyone over.
That sounds great! Do you need help with anything while you hostess?
Root Explanation
**Hostess** → It is formed from "host" (from Latin *hostis*, meaning enemy or stranger) and the suffix "-ess" (meaning a female). The word "hostess" refers to a female host, someone who entertains guests.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'host' as someone who welcomes others, and the '-ess' indicates that this person is female. So, a hostess is a woman who welcomes and entertains guests.
Visually Confused Words
ghostess
ghostless
hotness
honestness
shotless
postless
osteosis
mostness