Handmaid vs. Handmaiden — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 6, 2024
A handmaid is typically a female servant or attendant, while a handmaiden often refers to a woman who serves or assists in a more personal or religious capacity.
Difference Between Handmaid and Handmaiden
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Handmaids are generally associated with serving in a domestic context, carrying out household duties and assisting in the day-to-day tasks of their employers. In contrast, handmaidens are often portrayed in literature and history as personal attendants to high-ranking women, providing more intimate or specialized services.
While handmaids might perform a variety of general housekeeping duties, handmaidens often have roles that include the personal care of their mistresses, such as helping with dressing, hairstyling, and other aspects of personal grooming. This distinction highlights the more personal connection and trust typically found in the role of a handmaiden.
Handmaids are usually considered part of the domestic staff in larger estates or households in historical contexts. On the other hand, handmaidens can be seen in religious or ceremonial roles, serving figures of authority or deities, which adds a spiritual dimension to their duties.
The term "handmaid" often conveys a sense of subordination and servitude with less emphasis on personal attachment. Conversely, "handmaiden" not only reflects service but also a degree of companionship and confidentiality, often depicted in stories and historical accounts.
In modern usage, "handmaid" can sometimes be seen in a derogatory or symbolic sense, especially in feminist discourse, reflecting on women's roles and rights. Meanwhile, "handmaiden" might still carry romantic or antiquated connotations, aligning with its historical and literary uses.
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Comparison Chart
Role
Domestic servant
Personal attendant
Duties
General housekeeping
Personal care, grooming
Context
Household staff
Personal, religious service
Relationship
Professional, subordinate
Personal, possibly confidante
Modern Connotations
Sometimes derogatory
Often romantic or historical
Compare with Definitions
Handmaid
A woman who is employed to perform domestic chores within a household.
The handmaid was responsible for keeping the fires burning.
Handmaiden
A personal assistant involved in detailed, intimate aspects of care.
As her handmaiden, she knew all the secrets of her mistress.
Handmaid
A female servant or attendant.
She served as a handmaid to the lady of the house.
Handmaiden
A woman who personally attends to someone, especially in a royal or noble household.
The queen’s handmaiden helped her prepare for the ceremony.
Handmaid
A subordinate or helper.
In the narrative, she is depicted as a mere handmaid to the powerful elite.
Handmaiden
A literary or historical term denoting a close, often female attendant.
The princess always traveled with her handmaiden.
Handmaid
A metaphor for servitude in feminist discourse.
The novel portrays women as handmaids to a patriarchal society.
Handmaiden
Someone who plays a crucial, supportive role, often in a subordinate position.
She was more than an employee; she was a trusted handmaiden.
Handmaid
An assistant in various contexts, emphasizing servile status.
She acted like a handmaid, catering to every whim of her boss.
Handmaiden
A figure in religious or ceremonial contexts who serves a deity or religious figure.
In the temple, the handmaidens were tasked with maintaining the sacred fires.
Handmaid
A woman attendant or servant.
Handmaiden
A handmaiden, handmaid or maidservant is a personal maid or female servant. Depending on culture or historical period, a handmaiden may be of slave status or may be simply an employee.
Handmaid
Often handmaiden Something that accompanies or is attendant on another
"the traditional notion that government was the handmaiden of business" (Doris Kearns Goodwin).
Handmaiden
A woman attendant or servant.
Handmaid
A maid that waits at hand; a female servant or attendant.
Handmaiden
Often handmaiden Something that accompanies or is attendant on another
"the traditional notion that government was the handmaiden of business" (Doris Kearns Goodwin).
Handmaid
A maid that waits at hand; a female servant or attendant.
Handmaiden
Alternative form of handmaid.
Handmaid
Something or someone serving in a subordinate position; as, theology should be the handmaiden of ethics.
Handmaiden
A cisgender feminist woman who supports transgender rights.
Handmaid
In a subordinate position;
Theology should be the handmaiden of ethics
The state cannot be a servant of the church
Handmaiden
In a subordinate position;
Theology should be the handmaiden of ethics
The state cannot be a servant of the church
Handmaid
A personal maid or female attendant
Handmaiden
A personal maid or female attendant
Common Curiosities
How does a handmaiden differ in her duties?
A handmaiden often assists with personal tasks, especially grooming and dressing, and may serve in more intimate capacities.
Is the term "handmaiden" still used today?
"Handmaiden" is less commonly used today and is typically found in historical or literary contexts.
Can men be handmaids or handmaidens?
Traditionally, these terms refer to female servants, though the concept of serving in an equivalent role could apply to men under different titles.
What are the connotations of the term "handmaid" in modern literature?
In modern literature, particularly feminist works, "handmaid" can symbolize women's oppression under patriarchal systems.
What is the etymology of "handmaid"?
"Handmaid" comes from the combination of "hand" and "maid," implying someone whose work is closely tied to service by hand.
Can a handmaiden also have a religious role?
Yes, in historical and religious contexts, handmaidens may serve deities or religious figures, performing ceremonial duties.
Do the roles of handmaids and handmaidens overlap?
While there can be overlap in the sense that both involve service, handmaidens usually have a closer, more personal connection to their charges.
What is the primary role of a handmaid?
A handmaid primarily serves as a domestic servant, performing household duties.
Were handmaids considered part of the family?
Handmaids, being servants, were generally not considered part of the family but as part of the household staff.
Are there cultural variations in the roles of handmaids and handmaidens?
Yes, cultural variations affect how these roles are viewed and defined, with different emphases on their social and economic implications.
How does society view the roles of handmaids and handmaidens today?
In contemporary society, the roles are often understood historically or symbolically, with an awareness of their implications for gender roles and social structures.
How are handmaids and handmaidens portrayed in media?
Media often depict handmaids within a broader servant class, while handmaidens are shown as confidantes and close personal assistants in more dramatic or historical narratives.
What historical significance do handmaidens hold?
Historically, handmaidens could hold significant informal power, particularly if they were confidantes to someone of high rank.
How is the relationship between a handmaiden and her mistress defined?
The relationship is often defined by both service and a degree of personal loyalty and intimacy.
What skills were expected of a handmaiden?
Skills for a handmaiden would typically include personal care abilities, discretion, and often an understanding of etiquette and ceremonial duties.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
