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Anonymous Posted 14 years ago
Grammar
Heir or Heiress?
Can a woman be an heir, or does it always have to be heiress when describing a female? Any help would be much appreciated.
Top answer
In these times of political correctness, I am sure that there are those who take offense at 'heiress', just as they do or may do at 'actress', 'seamstress', 'stewardess' and 'waitress'. Note however that the loudness of the protest varies with the specific term, and while a woman can certainly be an 'heir', I find 'heiress' a much more attractive proposition.
- In these times of political correctness, I am sure that there are those who take offense at 'heiress', just as they do or may do at 'actress', 'seamstress', 'stewardess' and 'waitress'.
- Note however that the loudness of the protest varies with the specific term, and while a woman can certainly be an 'heir', I find 'heiress' a much more attractive proposition.
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2 Answers
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In these times of political correctness, I am sure that there are those who take offense at 'heiress', just as they do or may do at 'actress', 'seamstress', 'stewardess' and 'waitress'. Note however that the loudness of the protest varies with the specific term, and while a woman can certainly be an 'heir', I find 'heiress' a much more attractive proposition.
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And what about writings that refer to the past, such as something that takes place during the Middle Ages? Can heir be used instead of heiress when referring to a woman, or is it strictly heiress?
Example(s):
The king's daughter was heir to the throne.
or
She was King Bordan's only heir.
Are these
Example(s):
The king's daughter was heir to the throne.
or
She was King Bordan's only heir.
Are these
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