The word "janitress" refers to a woman who is responsible for cleaning and maintaining a building. The spelling of the word follows the typical English pattern of adding "-ess" to a masculine form. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is pronounced [ˈdʒænɪtrɪs]. The stress falls on the second syllable, and the "a" sound in the first syllable is pronounced like the short "a" in "cat". The "i" sound in the second syllable is pronounced like the "i" in "sit" and the "e" sound in the final syllable is pronounced like a short "i".
Janitress is a noun that refers to a female worker who is employed to clean and maintain buildings and premises. It is derived from the combination of the words "janitor" and "ress," with "janitor" denoting a person responsible for the cleaning and maintenance of a building, and "-ress" serving as a suffix indicating a female gender.
A janitress typically performs a range of tasks aimed at ensuring the cleanliness and upkeep of various areas within a building, such as offices, restrooms, hallways, and common spaces. These duties may include sweeping, mopping, dusting, vacuuming, and emptying trash receptacles. Additionally, a janitress may be responsible for replenishing supplies such as toiletries, toilet paper, and cleaning materials.
Janitresses may work in a variety of settings, including schools, hospitals, offices, hotels, and residential buildings. They play a crucial role in maintaining a clean and hygienic environment by keeping surfaces sanitized, removing waste, and responding promptly to spills or other cleanliness issues. They work either independently or as part of a team, taking instructions from a supervisor or following a predetermined cleaning schedule.
Janitresses are valued for their attention to detail, reliability, and diligence in completing their tasks effectively. Their work contributes to the overall comfort and functionality of a space, enabling occupants to enjoy clean, organized, and welcoming environments.
The word "janitress" is derived from the word "janitor".
The term "janitor" originated from the Latin word "ianitor", which means "doorkeeper". In ancient Rome, a janitor was responsible for keeping and guarding the entrance to a building, as well as other miscellaneous tasks such as cleaning and maintenance.
The suffix "-ess" signifies the feminine gender in English, so the addition of "-ess" to "janitor" creates the term "janitress", which specifically refers to a female janitor. However, it is worth noting that in modern usage, the term "janitress" is not widely used, and "janitor" is often used to refer to both males and females performing the job.