mister
2 synonyms and 0 antonyms for mister, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A title of respect used before a man's name, usually written "Mr."
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Etymology
An unstressed variant of "master," in use since around the 15th century.
Full origin of mister →Frequently asked questions
What does “mister” mean?
The word “mister” means a title of respect used before a man's name, usually written "Mr.". In plain terms, the polite title "Mr.," or a casual way to address an unfamiliar man.
How do you pronounce “mister”?
“Mister” is pronounced MIHS-tuh (/ˈmɪstəɹ/ in IPA).
How do you use “mister” in a sentence?
Here is “mister” used in a sentence: “Good afternoon, Mister Johnson.”
What part of speech is “mister”?
“Mister” is a noun.
Where does the word “mister” come from?
The word “mister” dates back to around 1400. An unstressed variant of "master," in use since around the 15th century.
Is “mister” a common word?
“Mister” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “mister” have?
“Mister” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a title of respect used before a man's name, usually written "Mr.".
What is the difference between "mister" and "Mr."?
"Mr." is the standard written abbreviation used before a man's name, while "mister" is the full spoken word, mostly used informally rather than in formal writing. Formal written address almost always uses "Mr." instead of spelling out "mister."
Is it polite to call someone "mister" without using their name?
Addressing a man as "mister" alone when his name is unknown is informal and can sound curt depending on tone, so more polite alternatives such as "sir" are often preferred in formal situations.
Can "mister" be used to address a boy?
"Mister" is generally used for adult men rather than boys, though it can be used informally or playfully in casual speech regardless of age.