The word "adulteress" is spelled with five syllables: /əˈdʌltərɪs/, with the primary stress on the second syllable. The first syllable is pronounced like "uh," the second like "dull," the third like "tuh," and the fourth and fifth like "ruhs". This word refers to a woman who commits adultery, which is the act of having sexual relations with someone who is not one's spouse. It should be noted that "adulteress" is a somewhat archaic term and is not commonly used in modern language.
Adulteress is a noun that refers to a woman who commits adultery, which is the act of engaging in voluntary sexual intercourse with someone other than one's spouse. The term is primarily used with a negative or judgmental connotation in reference to women who violate the traditional norms of marriage by engaging in extramarital relationships.
Historically, the concept of an adulteress has been associated with moral and ethical transgressions, as societies typically place a high value on marital fidelity. In many cultures and religions, adultery is considered a sin or a breach of trust, often leading to stigmatization and detrimental consequences for the individuals involved. The term is sometimes used to shame or condemn women who engage in such behavior, reflecting the societal expectations and gender roles that have been prevalent in various contexts.
While the term is used to describe specific women who have been unfaithful in marriage, it is worth noting that it carries a gender bias, as there is no equivalent masculine term that carries the same negative connotations. This further highlights the historical and cultural biases that have surrounded the concept of adultery and the corresponding labels used to characterize individuals involved in such acts.
It is important to acknowledge that societal attitudes toward adultery and the language used to describe it may vary across different cultures and eras, and discussions around these topics should be approached with sensitivity and awareness of diverse perspectives.
Woman guilty of adultery.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word adulteress has its etymological roots in the Old English term adulteresse, which ultimately comes from the Latin word adulterare. Adulterare means to corrupt or to defile. In medieval Latin, adulterus became the term for a male adulterer, whereas adultera was used for a female adulterer. Over time, adulteresse was borrowed into Middle English and eventually developed into the modern English term adulteress.