Pronunciation: [ɡˈʌvənˌɛsɪz] (IPA) 
The word "governesses" is spelled with two s's at the end to indicate the plural form of "governess". The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /ˈɡʌvərnəsɪz/. The first syllable "gov" is pronounced with the short "u" sound, and the following "erness" syllable is pronounced with the schwa vowel sound. The final "es" is pronounced as a separate syllable and ends with the "iz" sound, like the plural "s" in "cats" or "dogs".
Governesses are defined as female individuals employed in the role of private tutors and instructors for children within a household. They usually reside within the same household as the family they work for and are responsible for the education, supervision, and moral development of the children under their care. A governess typically goes beyond teaching basic subjects like reading, writing, and arithmetic, and may also provide instruction in manners, etiquette, social skills, and other cultural pursuits.
In historical contexts, governesses were commonly employed in households of the upper class, aristocracy, or gentry classes. Their role was particularly prevalent during the 18th and 19th centuries when educational opportunities for women were limited. Governesses often held a privileged position compared to other domestic servants in the household due to their education and relatively higher social status. However, they were still considered to be part of the servant class and frequently faced challenges navigating the divide between serving their employers and maintaining their own dignity and authority.
While the role of governesses has declined significantly over the years with the advent of formal schooling systems and increased educational opportunities for women, the term still persists to describe individuals who provide private instruction and guidance for children. Today, governesses may be employed by families who prefer one-on-one instruction for their children, or by those who travel frequently and require a consistent educational presence for their children regardless of location.
The word "governesses" originated from the combination of two terms: "govern" and the feminine suffix "-ess".
The term "govern" comes from the Middle English word "governe", which derives from the Old French word "gouverner". This, in turn, traces back to the Latin word "gubernare", meaning "to direct, rule, govern".
The suffix "-ess" is added to a word to form the feminine form of that word. It has its roots in Middle English, originating from the Old French suffix "-esse" or Latin suffix "-issa".
Therefore, the etymology of the word "governesses" can be traced back to the combination of "govern" and "-ess", signifying a female person who governs, directs, or rules.
