Mrs vs. Misses — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 27, 2024
Mrs. denotes a married woman, typically followed by her husband's surname, while "Misses" is a plural form of Miss, used for unmarried women.
Difference Between Mrs and Misses
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Mrs. is a title used before a surname or full name of a married woman, often indicating her marital status. Whereas "Misses" is actually a common misinterpretation or misspelling of "Mrs." and is not typically used in formal settings to denote marital status.
Mrs. often accompanies the husband's last name, serving as a traditional indication of marriage in many Western cultures. On the other hand, "Misses" if used correctly, refers to multiple women who are unmarried, addressed collectively.
In formal documents and invitations, Mrs. is used to address a married woman in a respectful and customary manner. On the other hand, the term "Misses" would not be applicable, as it does not refer to marital status but rather serves as a plural form when referring to several unmarried women.
The use of Mrs. is deeply embedded in societal norms where marital status is emphasized in women’s titles. Whereas "Misses" does not convey any information about marital status and would typically be seen as an error if used to refer to a single individual.
In contexts where it is important to signify a woman's marital status, Mrs. is the appropriate term to use. In contrast, "Misses" as a term would be inappropriate and misleading in such contexts.
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Comparison Chart
Title Usage
For married women
Plural of Miss for unmarried women
Indicates Marital Status
Yes, indicates marriage
No, indicates none
Form of Address
Follows a husband's surname
Used for addressing multiple women
Cultural Connotation
Traditional marital indication
No specific connotation
Common Misuse
Correctly used
Often misused as a singular form
Compare with Definitions
Mrs
Title for a married woman.
Mrs. Smith will attend the meeting.
Misses
Plural form of Miss, for unmarried women.
The Misses Johnson and Smith are sisters.
Mrs
Used before a married woman's surname.
Mrs. Johnson is my neighbor.
Misses
Not indicative of marital status.
The Misses were all successful in their exams.
Mrs
Formal address for married women.
Please forward the mail to Mrs. Davis.
Misses
Often incorrectly used for a married woman.
Mrs. Adams was mistakenly called Misses.
Mrs
Indicates a woman's marriage status.
Mrs. Perez was invited as a guest.
Misses
Used to address multiple women simultaneously.
Gifts were given to the Misses on their graduation.
Mrs
Traditionally follows the husband’s last name.
Mrs. Thompson will be hosting the event.
Misses
Requires correction in formal writing.
Please correct Misses to Miss or Mrs. where appropriate.
Mrs
The title used before a surname or full name to address or refer to a married woman without a higher or honorific or professional title
Mrs Sally Jones
Misses
To fail to hit, reach, catch, or otherwise make contact with
He swung at and missed the ball. The winger missed the pass. The ball missed the basket.
Mrs
Used as a courtesy title for a married, widowed, or divorced woman before her own surname or full name
Mrs. Doe.
Mrs. Jane Doe. See Usage Note at miss2.
Misses
To be too late for or fail to meet (a train, for example).
Mrs
Used as a courtesy title for a married or widowed woman before the surname or full name of her husband
Mrs. Doe.
Mrs. John Doe.
Misses
To fail to perceive, experience, or understand
I missed my favorite TV show last night. You completely missed the point of the film.
Mrs
Used in informal titles for a married woman to indicate the epitomizing of an attribute or activity
Mrs. Wonderful.
Mrs. Organization.
Misses
To fail to accomplish or achieve
Just missed setting a new record.
Mrs
A form of address for a married woman
Misses
To fail to attend or perform
Never missed a day of work.
Misses
To fail to answer correctly
Missed three questions on the test.
Misses
To fail to benefit from; let slip
Miss a chance.
Misses
To escape or avoid
We took a different way and missed the traffic jam.
Misses
To discover the absence or loss of
I missed my book after getting off the bus.
Misses
To be without; lack
A cart that is missing a wheel.
Misses
To feel the lack or loss of
Do you miss your family?.
Misses
To fail to hit or otherwise make contact with something
Took a shot near the goal and missed.
Misses
To be unsuccessful; fail
A money-making scheme that can't miss.
Misses
To misfire, as an internal-combustion engine.
Misses
A failure to hit or make contact with something.
Misses
A failure to be successful
The new movie was a miss.
Misses
The misfiring of an engine.
Misses
Miss Used as a courtesy title before the surname or full name of a girl or single woman.
Misses
Used as a form of polite address for a girl or young woman
I beg your pardon, miss.
Misses
A young unmarried woman.
Misses
Miss Used in informal titles for a young woman to indicate the epitomizing of an attribute or activity
Miss Organization.
Miss Opera.
Misses
Mis·ses A series of clothing sizes for women and girls of average height and proportions.
Misses
Plural of miss
Misses
A range of clothing sizes for women of average height and build.
Misses
Alternative spelling of missus(Mrs)
Common Curiosities
Can Mrs. be used for an unmarried woman?
No, Mrs. is specifically for married women.
What is the primary use of Mrs.?
Mrs. is primarily used to denote a married woman, usually accompanied by her husband’s surname.
Is it correct to address a married woman as Misses?
No, it is incorrect; the proper term is Mrs.
Should Mrs. always be followed by a husband’s surname?
Traditionally, yes, but it can also precede a woman's maiden name or full name.
What is a common mistake when using Misses?
A common mistake is using Misses to refer to a married woman instead of Mrs.
How are Mrs. and Misses different in indicating marital status?
Mrs. indicates that a woman is married, whereas Misses, being a plural of Miss, does not indicate marital status.
Can Misses be used in formal documentation?
No, Misses is not suitable for formal documentation unless referring to multiple unmarried women.
What does Misses signify?
"Misses" is the plural form of Miss, used for addressing multiple unmarried women.
In what contexts is Mrs. most appropriately used?
In any formal context that requires acknowledgment of a woman’s marital status.
How does societal perception differ between Mrs. and Misses?
Mrs. is often associated with traditional views on marriage, while Misses carries no such connotations.
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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.
