Master Masculine & Feminine Gender
What you'll learn in this article:
What is gender?
Classification of gender: Kinds of gender
Important rules for changing gender in English Grammar
List of Masculine and Feminine Gender
MCQs of Noun Gender with Answer
Mind map (Masculine & Feminine Gender)
Learn how to modify gender
Metaphorical Gender Nouns in English Grammar
Learn through a short fable: how non-human nouns are treated as masculine and feminine gender
Exercise to beat the competition
Frequently Asked Questions About Noun: Gender
What is gender?
Gender is a complex and multifaceted concept that encompasses the roles, behaviors, activities,
and attributes that a society considers appropriate for men, women, and other gender identities.
Traditionally, gender was viewed as a binary system aligned with one's biological sex—male or female. However, contemporary understanding recognizes that gender is not strictly binary and can exist on a spectrum. This broader perspective includes non-binary, genderqueer, and genderfluid identities, among others. Gender is distinct from sex, which refers to the biological characteristics such as chromosomes, hormones, and reproductive organs. Importantly, gender identity is an individual's deeply felt sense of being male, female, or another gender, which may or may not align with their sex assigned at birth. Society’s evolving understanding of gender emphasizes the importance of respecting and affirming each person's self-identified gender.
How many kinds of gender are there in English Grammar?
There are four types of gender:
Mastering Genders boost us to speak and write English correctly.
Important Rules for Changing Gender in English Grammar for Competitive Exams
In English grammar, understanding how to change gender is essential, especially for competitive exams where language skills are tested. Here are some important rules:
1. Gender-Specific Nouns:
Many nouns have distinct masculine and feminine forms.
For example,
"actor" becomes "actress," "prince" becomes "princess," and "waiter" turns into "waitress."
However, it's important to note that gender-neutral language is increasingly preferred, so terms like "actor" or "server" are often used for all genders.
2. Common Nouns with Gendered Articles:
In some cases, the gender of a noun can be indicated by an article or adjective.
For instance,
"heir" (male) and "heiress" (female)
or
"hero" and "heroine."
3. Compound Nouns:
For compound nouns, only the part that indicates gender changes.
For instance,
"grandfather" becomes "grandmother," "policeman" becomes "policewoman."
4. Natural Gender:
Some nouns don’t change form based on gender.
Words like "teacher," "doctor," or "friend" can refer to any gender and rely on context or additional information to specify gender.
5. Irregular Forms:
Some nouns have irregular gender forms, such as "bull" and "cow" or "rooster" and "hen."
These need to be memorized as there are no consistent rules for their transformation.
When preparing for exams, practice identifying and converting gendered nouns within sentences,
as this will help enhance your grammatical precision and adaptability in gender-sensitive contexts.
Note: Common nouns are used for male and female.
For example,
- Cousin
- Friend
- Artist
- Student
- Doctor
- Advocate
- Teacher
- Clerk
Quick Tip to Remember:
- Common Gender: Used for both male and female
- Neuter Gender: Used for non-living things or objects
List of Masculine Gender & Feminine Gender:
Here's a list of 40 pairs of masculine and feminine gender terms that can be useful for competitive exams:
1. Actor - Actress
2. Bachelor - Spinster
3. Beau - Belle
4. Bull - Cow
5. Duke - Duchess
6. Emperor - Empress
7. Father - Mother
8. Gander - Goose
9. Hero - Heroine
10. Horse - Mare
11. King - Queen
12. Lion - Lioness
13. Lord - Lady
14. Man - Woman
15. Monk - Nun
16. Nephew - Niece
17. Prince - Princess
18. Ram - Ewe
19. Sir - Madam
20. Son - Daughter
Most Repeated Pairs of Masculine and Feminine Gender for SSC CGL Success
21. Stallion - Mare
22. Steer - Heifer
23. Stag - Doe
24. Tiger - Tigress
25. Uncle - Aunt
26. Wizard - Witch
27. Boar - Sow
28. Boy - Girl
29. Brother - Sister
30. Cock - Hen
31. Colt - Filly
32. Dog - Bitch
33. Drone - Bee
34. Husband - Wife
35. Master - Mistress
36. Mr. - Mrs.
37. Peacock - Peahen
38. Poet - Poetess
39. Shepherd - Shepherdess
40. Waiter - Waitress
These pairs should help you prepare for questions related to gender-specific nouns in various competitive exams.
Rules to Convert Masculine to Feminine Gender
(Important for all competitive exams)
Change the word and add (ess) to the masculine.
- Master → Mistress
- Duke → Duchess
In some cases, remove the last vowel and consonant, add (ess) to the masculine.
- Tiger → Tigress
- Waiter → Waitress
Change the first or second letter in Compound Masculine Noun
- He - bear → She bear
- Buck Rabbit → Doe - Rabbit
MCQs of Noun Gender for Competitive Exam:
Choose the correct option:
The feminine of " Landlord"
- Landlady
- Landwoman
- Landess
Ans: Landlady
The feminine of ' Ram"
- Ramess
- Ewe
- Lamb
Ans: Ewe
The feminine of " Heir"
- Heirine
- Heiress
- Lady heir
Ans: Heiress
The masculine of " Duck"
- Duckling
- Drake
- Swan
Ans: Drake
The feminine of " Lad"
- Ladess
- Lass
- Girl
Ans: Lass
The masculine of " Roe"
- Roess
- Hart
- He roe
Ans: Hart
The masculine of " Dame"
- Damess
- Sir
- Maid
Ans: Sir
The feminine of ' Fox"
- Foxess
- Vixen
- Foxine
Ans: Vixen
The masculine of " Bee"
- Beehen
- Drone
- King
Ans: Drone
The feminine of " Duke"
- Dukine
- Duchess
- Dukess
Ans: Duchess
The feminine of " Stallion"
- Duck
- Filly
- Mare
Ans: Mare
The masculine of " Filly"
- Bull
- Ox
- Colt
Ans: Colt
The masculine of " Countess"
- Horse
- Sheep
- Earl
Ans: Earl
The feminine of "Bachelor"
- Bacheloress
- Female
- Spinster
Ans: Spinster
The masculine of ' Witch"
Witchess
Witchine
Wizard
Ans: Wizard
Let's observe this mind map, it would be beneficial for you at the time of exam.
Quick Exam Trick:
Important for All Aspirants
To modify gender in English grammar, here are five examples for each category:
1. Masculine to Feminine by Adding -ess:
Actor → Actress
Prince → Princess
Host → Hostess
Waiter → Waitress
Lion → Lioness
2. Masculine to Feminine by Changing the Word:
King → Queen
Father → Mother
Brother → Sister
Bull → Cow
Husband → Wife
3. Masculine to Feminine with Different Endings or Forms:
Hero → Heroine
Duke → Duchess
Emperor → Empress
Master → Mistress
God → Goddess
4. Gender-Neutral to Masculine/Feminine:
Parent → Father/Mother
Child → Son/Daughter
Sibling → Brother/Sister
Spouse → Husband/Wife
Partner → Boyfriend/Girlfriend
5. Common Nouns with Gender-Specific Forms:
Man → Woman
Boy → Girl
Sir → Madam
Nephew → Niece
Gentleman → Lady
These examples illustrate how gender can influence word forms in English.
Metaphorical Gender Nouns In English Grammar ( Masculine or Feminine)
Metaphorical nouns often reflect gendered characteristics in English.
Traditional associations link certain traits with masculinity and femininity.
"Lion" is used metaphorically to describe bravery and authority; traits linked to masculinity.
"Dove" symbolizes peace and gentleness; qualities associated with femininity.
"Bull" can represent strength and stubbornness.
"Swan" suggests grace and beauty.
These usages reflect cultural norms and stereotypes.
Metaphors are not inherently tied to gender and can apply to anyone.
A broader understanding of metaphors enriches language by expressing diverse characteristics beyond traditional gender norms.
The Sun and The Wind
One day, the Sun and the Wind began arguing about which of them was stronger. They saw a traveller walking along a road, wearing a warm coat.
The Wind said, “I can make that man take off his coat.” She blew as hard as she could. But the traveller wrapped his coat more tightly around himself.
Then the Sun said, “Let me try.” He shone warmly upon the traveller. Soon, the traveller felt hot. He took off his coat and continued walking comfortably.
The Sun smiled and said, “Gentleness is often more powerful than force.”
Moral of the Fable
Kindness and gentle persuasion can achieve what force cannot.
Metaphorical Gender Nouns & Pronouns Used
In this fable, the Sun and the Wind
are non-human nouns, but they are personified—they are presented as if
they were human beings.
Metaphorical Noun & Pronouns Used Metaphorical Gender
The Sun is treated as he, his👉 Masculine
The Wind is treated as she, her, herself 👉Feminine
The traveller is treated as he, him, himself 👉Masculine (human noun)
Key Point for English Learners
Sun and Wind do not have biological gender. In this story, they are given metaphorical gender
because they are personified as human-like characters.
Here, the Sun is treated as masculine and the Wind is treated as feminine.
👉 Metaphorical gender:
A non-human noun may be treated as masculine or feminine in language when it is personified or associated with particular human qualities.
Remember
☀️ The Sun → He / His → Masculine
🌬️ The Wind → She / Her / Herself → Feminine
👨 The Traveller → He / Him / Himself → Masculine
👉Remember: English Learners👇
Learn the concept, not just the rule!
Exercise to beat the competition
for SSC, CGL Aspirants: 2026
Spot the error:
Here are 30 multiple-choice questions on the topic of "Gender in English Grammar & Its Kinds,":
1. What is gender in English grammar?
A) A type of verb
B) A classification of nouns and pronouns
C) A tense of verbs
D) A type of sentence
Answer: B) A classification of nouns and pronouns
Explanation: Gender in grammar refers to the classification of nouns and pronouns as masculine, feminine, neuter, or common.
2. Which gender category is used for inanimate objects?
A) Masculine
B) Feminine
C) Neuter
D) Common
Answer: C) Neuter
Explanation: Neuter gender is used for nouns that denote inanimate objects, which do not have a biological gender.
3. Which of the following nouns is masculine?
A) Queen
B) King
C) Teacher
D) Child
Answer: B) King
Explanation: "King" is specifically a masculine noun, while "queen" is feminine. "Teacher" and "child" are common gender nouns.
4. Which word is an example of common gender?
A) Actor
B) Doctor
C) Lion
D) Hen
Answer: B) Doctor
Explanation: "Doctor" is a common gender noun, applicable to both males
and females.
5. What type of gender is used for animals when the sex is unspecified?
A) Masculine
B) Feminine
C) Neuter
D) Common
Answer: D) Common
Explanation: Common gender nouns
are used when the sex of animals is unspecified, like "cat" or "dog."
6. What is the feminine form of "prince"?
A) Princess
B) Lady
C) Queen
D) Duchess
Answer: A) Princess
Explanation: "Princess" is the feminine form of "prince."
7. Which of the following is a neuter noun?
A) Table
B) Mother
C) Father
D) Sister
Answer: A) Table
Explanation: "Table" is a neuter noun, as it refers to an inanimate object.
8. Identify the masculine form of "actress."
A) Actor
B) Hero
C) Waiter
D) Host
Answer: A) Actor
Explanation: "Actor" is the masculine form of "actress."
9. What gender is the noun "child"?
A) Masculine
B) Feminine
C) Neuter
D) Common
Answer: D) Common
Explanation: "Child" is a common
gender noun, as it does not specify male or female.
10. The word "heroine" is the feminine form of which word?
A) Hero
B) Prince
C) King
D) Duke
Answer: A) Hero
Explanation: "Heroine" is the feminine form of "hero."
11. Which is the correct feminine form of "duke"?
A) Duchess
B) Lady
C) Countess
D) Baroness
Answer: A) Duchess
Explanation: "Duchess" is the feminine counterpart to "duke."
12. Which noun refers to a female animal?
A) Lion
B) Cow
C) Bull
D) Stallion
Answer: B) Cow
Explanation: "Cow" is the feminine form of "bull."
13. Which of the following nouns is gender-neutral?
A) Sister
B) Brother
C) Child
D) Mother
Answer: C) Child
Explanation: "Child" is gender-neutral, as it does not specify gender.
14. What is the masculine form of "nun"?
A) Monk
B) Father
C) Priest
D) Bishop
Answer: A) Monk
Explanation: "Monk" is the masculine equivalent of "nun."
15. Which of the following is a feminine noun?
A) Queen
B) Duke
C) Bull
D) Prince
Answer: A) Queen
Explanation: "Queen" is a feminine noun, while the others are masculine.
16. Which gender form is used for profession-related nouns that apply to both males and females?
A) Masculine
B) Feminine
C) Common
D) Neuter
Answer: C) Common
Explanation: Profession-related nouns such as "doctor" or "teacher" are common gender nouns.
17. What is the feminine form of "waiter"?
A) Waitress
B) Maid
C) Hostess
D) Lady
Answer: A) Waitress
Explanation: "Waitress" is the feminine form of "waiter."
18. Which noun is an example of neuter gender?
A) Car
B) Girl
C) Boy
D) Man
Answer: A) Car
Explanation: "Car" is a neuter noun, referring to an inanimate object.
19. The word "essence" refers to which gender?
A) Masculine
B) Feminine
C) Neuter
D) Common
Answer: C) Neuter
Explanation: "Essence" is a neuter noun as it is an abstract concept.
20. Which is the correct masculine form of "hen"?
A) Rooster
B) Drake
C) Tom
D) Cob
Answer: A) Rooster
Explanation: "Rooster" is the masculine form of "hen."
21. What gender is the word "author"?
A) Masculine
B) Feminine
C) Neuter
D) Common
Answer: D) Common
Explanation: "Author" is a common gender noun, applicable to both male and female writers.
22. What is the feminine form of "wizard"?
A) Witch
B) Sorcerer
C) Enchantress
D) Mage
Answer: C) Enchantress
Explanation: "Enchantress" is often used as the feminine form of "wizard."
23. Which is the correct feminine form of "host"?
A) Hostess
B) Maid
C) Lady
D) Baroness
Answer: A) Hostess
Explanation: "Hostess" is the feminine form of "host."
24. What is the masculine counterpart of "vixen"?
A) Fox
B) Lion
C) Dog
D) Tiger
Answer: A) Fox
Explanation: "Vixen" is the feminine form of "fox."
25. Which noun is gender-specific for males?
A) Daughter
B) Groom
C) Hen
D) Mare
Answer: B) Groom
Explanation: "Groom" is specifically male, while the others are female.
26. Which gender category does "computer" fall into?
A) Masculine
B) Feminine
C) Neuter
D) Common
Answer: C) Neuter
Explanation: "Computer" is a neuter noun, as it is an inanimate object.
27. What is the masculine form of "heroine"?
A) Hero
B) Prince
C) King
D) Duke
Answer: A) Hero
Explanation: "Hero" is the masculine form of "heroine."
28. Which is the feminine counterpart of "steward"?
A) Stewardess
B) Maid
C) Lady
D) Hostess
Answer: A) Stewardess
Explanation: "Stewardess" is the feminine form of "steward."
29. Which word is a masculine noun?
A) Actress
B) Mother
C) King
D) Lady
Answer: C) King
Explanation: "King" is a gender-specific masculine noun.
30. What is the feminine form of "nephew"?
A) Niece
B) Cousin
C) Aunt
D) Sister
Answer: A) Niece
Explanation: "Niece" is the feminine form of "nephew."
These questions cover the basics of gender in English grammar, including examples, gender-specific and common nouns, and their applications.
Frequently Asked Questions About Noun: Gender
What are the rules for changing masculine noun to feminine noun?
In many languages, nouns have gender, and while the rules for changing masculine nouns to feminine nouns can vary, there are some common patterns. Here are a few general guidelines, primarily based on English and Romance languages like Spanish and French:
1. Adding or Changing Suffixes: A common method is adding or altering suffixes. In English, for example, you might change "actor" to "actress" by adding "-ess." In Spanish, "el actor" becomes "la actriz," and in French, "acteur" changes to "actrice."
2. Changing the Article: In languages like Spanish and French, changing the article that precedes the noun is essential. For example, "el niño" (the boy) becomes "la niña" (the girl) in Spanish, and "le garçon" becomes "la fille" in French.
3. Word Roots: Some languages may have entirely different words for masculine and feminine forms, such as "man" and "woman" or "boy" and "girl" in English.
4. Irregular Forms: There are exceptions to these rules, where the masculine and feminine forms do not follow a regular pattern, such as "duke" and "duchess" in English.
5. Gender-neutral Nouns: In English, efforts are being made to use more gender-neutral language, replacing gender-specific nouns with neutral ones, like using "actor" for both males and females.
These rules can be quite language-specific, so it's important to understand the grammatical rules of the language you are working with.
Can noun gender - related multiple-choice questions appear in SSC CGL exams?
Yes, noun gender-related questions can appear in the Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level (SSC CGL) exams. These questions typically test your understanding of the gender classification of nouns, such as distinguishing between masculine, feminine, and neuter nouns. They may appear in the English language section, where candidates are evaluated on their grammar skills, vocabulary, and comprehension abilities. To prepare effectively, it’s helpful to review basic grammar rules related to noun gender and practice with sample questions or past exam papers.
How does a candidate master or learn a list of 1000 words of masculine and feminine gender for competitive exams?
Mastering a list of 1000 words of masculine and feminine gender for competitive exams can be
a daunting task, but with the right strategies, it can become manageable. Start by breaking the list
into smaller, more digestible sections, perhaps by categorizing words into thematic groups such
as professions, animals, or objects.
Create flashcards to reinforce learning, using one side for the masculine form and the other for the feminine. Engage in active recall by testing yourself regularly and mixing up the order to ensure you can recall the words out of sequence. Incorporate these words into sentences or short stories to improve your contextual understanding.
Additionally, using mnemonic devices can help associate words with memorable images or phrases. Practice consistently, dedicating a specific amount of time each day to review and periodically assess your progress to identify areas that need more focus. Lastly, consider forming a study group or using language apps to reinforce your learning through interaction and varied methods.
