magistra
[maˈɡɪs.tra]
magistra is the Latin phrase for a female teacher.
magistra is used to refer to a woman who holds a position of authority or serves as a teacher.
What does it mean word for word?
The word magistra is the feminine form of a noun used to denote a female master, mistress or teacher.
Which one should you use?
To refer to a male teacher, use the masculine form magister.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form changes depending on its role in a sentence. Use magistrae to indicate possession (the genitive singular, meaning "of the female teacher") and use magistras when the word is the direct object of a sentence (the accusative plural, meaning "female teachers").
Did you know?
- The Latin word magistra is the direct ancestor of the English word 'magistrate', which shifted from meaning 'teacher' to meaning a judicial officer.
- While modern English uses 'mistress' to imply a woman in a position of power or a romantic partner, the Latin root of this word was a neutral, professional term for a female teacher.
- In Roman society, women were rarely officially titled magistra in public roles, as formal education was predominantly a male domain for centuries.
Examples in context
- Lucia est magistra.Lucia is a teacher.
- Illius magistra optima est.Her teacher is excellent.
- Magistra est bona.The teacher is good.
- Magistra librum legit.The teacher is reading a book.
Example conversation
Two students are talking in a school courtyard.
- GaiusUbi est magistra?Where is the teacher?
- ClaudiaMagistra in horto est.The teacher is in the garden.
- GaiusEstne ea bona?Is she good?
- ClaudiaIta, magistra optima est.Yes, the teacher is the best.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry magistra, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
