As the female equivalent for knighthood is damehood, the suo jure female equivalent term is typically dame. You call a man “sir” when you are speaking to him politely The meaning of sir is a man entitled to be addressed as sir —used as a title before the given name of a knight or baronet and formerly sometimes before the given name of a priest.
‘I Am Second’ Releases Powerful Story of Joshua Broome’s Escape from
People sometimes say sir as a very formal and polite way of addressing a man whose name they do not know or a man of superior rank
For example, a shop assistant might address a male customer as sir.
Used without a name as a form of polite address to a man you do not know Used without a name as a form of polite address to a man of rank or authority (such as a military or police officer, teacher, or master) Definition of sir noun in oxford advanced learner's dictionary Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.
Sir is used at the beginning of a formal letter to a man you do not know There are 19 meanings listed in oed's entry for the noun sir, two of which are labelled obsolete See ‘meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence. Ma'am, mam sir, yes, sir
—don't you sir me, private
I work for a living! Discover the comprehensive meaning, definition, and etymology of sir. this glossary entry provides clear examples of its historical and modern usage, perfect for academic exploration.
