ate

The word “ate” means an older sister, or a respectful way of addressing a woman who is older than you, even if she is not a blood relative. In plain terms, a Filipino title of respect for an older sister or older woman, similar to how "big sis" is used affectionately in English but with a stronger sense of formal respect.

“Ate” is pronounced teh (/ˈʔɐ.te/ in IPA).

Here is “ate” used in a sentence: “She always calls her older cousin Ate Grace out of respect.”

“Ate” is a noun.

The word “ate” comes from Tagalog. From Tagalog ate ("elder sister"), itself borrowed from a Hokkien word for "eldest sister.".

“Ate” is a fairly common word in modern English.

They are two unrelated words that happen to share a spelling. In Filipino (Tagalog), "ate" is a respectful term for an older sister or older woman, said with two syllables, while in English "ate" is the past tense of the verb "eat," rhyming with "late."

"Ate" is used before a person's name or on its own to respectfully address an older sister or an older woman, even one who is not a blood relative — for example, "Ate Maria" or simply "Ate." It signals politeness and respect toward someone older.

The male counterpart of "ate" (older sister) is "kuya," the Filipino term for an older brother or a respected older man. Both words are used to show respect toward someone older within Filipino culture.

"Ate" is typically capitalized when used as a title directly before someone's name, as in "Ate Rosa," much as English capitalizes "Aunt" before a name. Used on its own as a common noun, it may appear in lowercase.