Gender of Nouns in English

The gender of nouns is a fundamental aspect of many languages, including English. Understanding the gender of nouns is crucial for effective communication and can be particularly challenging for language learners. In this reference, you will explore a list of gender of nouns in the English language, including examples. You’ll learn about inherent and grammatical gender, gender based on biological sex, and gender based on social roles or occupations. This reference aims to help you better understand their usage and improve your language skills.

Defining Gender of Nouns?

In English, nouns are divided into three genders: masculinefeminine, and neuter. Masculine nouns refer to male beings like man or father. Feminine nouns refer to female beings such as woman or mother. Neuter nouns do not specify a gender, like person or child.

Gender of Nouns
Gender of Nouns – Created by 7ESL

Examples of masculine and feminine nouns:

  • Man – Woman
  • Son – Daughter
  • Father – Mother
  • Husband – Wife

Male and female animals also have different forms:

  • Cock – Hen
  • Bull – Cow
  • Drake – Duck

You can find more examples of these nouns and their usage by exploring these categories.

Determination of Gender in English Nouns

Inherent and Grammatical Gender

In English, nouns do not have a grammatical gender like in French or Spanish. Instead, English uses inherent gender, based on the natural, biological sex of a person or animal. Inanimate objects and abstract concepts are not assigned gender. Pronouns and possessive determiners (he, she, it, his, her, its) are used to indicate gender.

Gender Based on Biological Sex

For humans and animals, different words are often used to specify biological sex:

  • Man – Woman
  • Father – Mother
  • Son – Daughter
  • Brother – Sister
  • Bull – Cow
  • Drake – Duck

Suffixes like “-ess” or “-ette” can change a noun’s gender:

  • Actor – Actress
  • Host – Hostess
  • Steward – Stewardess
  • Bachelor – Bachelorette

Gender Based on Social Role or Occupation

In certain roles and occupations, gender-specific nouns have historically been used. Modern English favors gender-neutral terms for inclusivity:

  • Policeman – Policewoman (Gender-neutral: Police officer)
  • Fireman – Firewoman (Gender-neutral: Firefighter)
  • Chairman – Chairwoman (Gender-neutral: Chairperson)

Embracing these changes helps create a more inclusive and respectful language.

Gender of Nouns List
Gender of Nouns List – Created by 7ESL

Masculine and Feminine Words List in English

  • Father – Mother
  • Son – Daughter
  • Brother – Sister
  • Man – Woman
  • Cock – Hen
  • Bull – Cow
  • Drone – Bee
  • Gander – Goose
  • Stag – Hind
  • Gentleman – Lady
  • Count – Countess
  • Husband – Wife
  • Lord – Lady
  • King – Queen
  • Monk – Nun
  • Sir – Madam
  • Uncle – Aunt
  • Nephew – Niece
  • Wizard – Witch
  • Hart – Roe
  • Drake – Duck
  • Lion – Lioness
  • Priest – Priestess
  • Prophet – Prophetess
  • Patron – Patroness
  • Host – Hostess
  • Viscount – Viscountess
  • Shepherd – Shepherdess
  • Steward – Stewardess
  • Heir – Heiress
  • Baron – Baroness
  • Peer – Peeress
  • Abbot – Abbess
  • Emperor – Empress
  • Traitor – Traitress
  • Actor – Actress
  • Benefactor – Benefactress
  • Hunter – Huntress
  • Tempter – Temptress
  • Master – Mistress
  • Tiger – Tigress
  • Duke – Duchess
  • Enchanter – Enchantress
  • Songster – Songstress
  • Hero – Heroine
  • Sultan – Sultana
  • Czar – Czarina
  • Signor – Signora
  • Manservant – Maidservant
  • He-goat – She-goat
  • Cock-sparrow – Hen-sparrow
  • Bull-calf – Cow-calf
  • Grandfather – Grandmother
  • Landlord – Landlady
  • Milkman – Milkmaid
  • Peacock – Peahen
  • Giant – Giantess

List of Genders Image 2

Gender in English
Gender in English – Created by 7ESL

Genders List Video: Gender of Nouns

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