Definitions Related words Phrases Mentions Lyrics History Colors (New!) Easter eggs (New!)

Literary notes about miss (AI summary)

In literature, the word "miss" operates on multiple levels. As an honorific title, it frequently identifies an unmarried or addressed woman, imbuing the dialogue with a sense of formality or character nuance—as in the careful address of Miss Caroline [1], Miss Murdstone [2], and Miss Amelia [3]. It can also signal social roles and relationships, contributing to distinct characterizations in works by Austen, Dickens, and others [4], [5]. In contrast, "miss" appears as a verb to denote failure or the absence of an expected occurrence, lending a practical or even humorous tone to a narrative, as seen when a train is nearly lost by its passenger [6] or when actions are described as "hit-or-miss" [7]. This blending of formal address with everyday function enriches the text and offers layers of meaning about both personal identity and action.
  1. And I don’t know exactly what you mean, Miss Caroline,” he added, a little confused.
    — from Sybil, Or, The Two Nations by Earl of Beaconsfield Benjamin Disraeli
  2. ‘Edward,’ said Miss Murdstone, ‘let there be an end of this.
    — from David Copperfield by Charles Dickens
  3. " "I've been opening her trunks and putting her things away," said Miss Amelia.
    — from A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  4. “Where did you leave Miss Crawford, Fanny?”
    — from Mansfield Park by Jane Austen
  5. He came back gay and self-satisfied, eager and busy, caring nothing for Miss Woodhouse, and defying Miss Smith.
    — from Emma by Jane Austen
  6. But won't you miss your train?" said Dorian Gray languidly as he passed up the steps and opened the door with his latch-key.
    — from The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
  7. But its hair-trigger organization makes of it a happy-go-lucky, hit-or-miss affair.
    — from The Principles of Psychology, Volume 1 (of 2) by William James

More usage examples

Also see: Google, News, Images, Wikipedia, Reddit, BlueSky


Home   Reverse Dictionary / Thesaurus   Datamuse   Word games   Spruce   Feedback   Dark mode   Random word   Help


Color thesaurus

Use OneLook to find colors for words and words for colors

See an example

Literary notes

Use OneLook to learn how words are used by great writers

See an example

Word games

Try our innovative vocabulary games

Play Now

Read the latest OneLook newsletter issue: Threepeat Redux