CONDUCTRESS Meaning and
Definition
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A conductress is a female individual who is in charge of leading or directing the operations of a group of people, particularly in the context of transportation or orchestras. In the field of transportation, a conductress refers specifically to a woman who is responsible for supervising and managing passengers on public transport vehicles, such as buses, trams, or trains. She ensures the safe and efficient operation of the vehicle, collects fares, announces stops, assists passengers in boarding and disembarking, and maintains order among commuters.
Furthermore, a conductress can also denote a woman who presides or directs an orchestra as a conductor. In this musical sense, she is skilled in interpreting the composer's instructions and shaping the overall performance of the ensemble. Her responsibilities include leading rehearsals, guiding musicians through different sections of a piece, setting the tempo, and conveying musical ideas through her gestures and expression.
Historically, the term conductress has been in use since the mid-19th century, evolving as a gender-specific counterpart to the common term conductor, which was predominantly associated with men. However, it is essential to note that nowadays, the term conductor is more widely used across genders in both transportation and musical contexts.
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Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for CONDUCTRESS
Etymology of CONDUCTRESS
The term "conductress" is formed by adding the suffix "-ess" to the word "conductor".
The word "conductor" originated from the Latin word "conductus", which means "to lead or direct". In the context of transportation, a conductor is responsible for leading and managing the movement of passengers on a train, bus, or other public transport vehicles.
The term "conductress" was created to specifically refer to a female conductor, distinguishing her gender from a male conductor. The suffix "-ess" is used in English to feminize a noun, similar to how "-er" is used for the masculine form. So, "conductress" denotes a female who performs the role of a conductor.
Similar spelling words for CONDUCTRESS
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