mister
/ˈmɪstə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈmɪstər/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈmi-stər for sense 1 ˌmi-stər or in rapid speech (ˌ)mis(t)/ (ame, mw)
mister — noun
1. the word that the abbreviation Mr stands for, used as a polite title before a ma
the word that the abbreviation Mr stands for, used as a polite title before a man's family name, full name, or official position.
Please give this letter to Mr. Chen when he arrives at the office.
Mr + surname for polite address
The package was addressed to Mr. and Mrs. Okonkwo at their home in Lagos.
Mr + surname for married couple
Mr. Tanaka will be teaching the afternoon class starting next Monday.
Good evening, Mr. Chairman, the committee is ready to begin the meeting.
A card arrived from Mr. Okafor thanking everyone for the birthday wishes.
文法句型
Mr + surname
Mr + title/position
用法筆記
In everyday writing, the abbreviation Mr (British) or Mr. (American) is used instead of the full word mister. The full form mister is mainly used in direct speech or very formal written contexts.
2. a way of speaking to a man whose name you do not know, often used when you are a
a way of speaking to a man whose name you do not know, often used when you are annoyed with him or want to get his attention.
Hey, mister, you dropped your wallet on the pavement!
mister as attention-getter
Listen carefully, mister, I will not tell you again about the noise.
mister for showing annoyance
Mister, could you help me lift this suitcase onto the luggage rack?
You have some nerve, mister, parking your car in my space!
Excuse me, mister, does this bus go to the train station?
- sir
more polite and respectful; the standard polite address for a man
文法句型
mister (as address term)
用法筆記
Can sound rude or aggressive depending on the tone. To sound more polite, use sir instead of mister when addressing a stranger.