Master and Mister Are the Same Word
A master is one in control. The everyday title mister is the same word, worn down by centuries of use.
A master is one who has control or great skill. *Mister* is the same word reduced: master became mister in unstressed use before a name, and the written abbreviation *Mr* preserves the older spelling. Latin *magister* is behind both, and behind *magistrate*, *maestro*, *magisterial* and the Scottish *maister*.
- One in control. *The master of the house.*
- A skilled practitioner. *A master craftsman.*
- A degree. *A master's degree.*
- Mister — the everyday title. *Mr Smith.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | master | A chess master. |
| Plural | masters | Old masters. |
| Verb | master | Master the technique. |
| Related | mister | Mr Jones. |
| Related | magistrate | A local magistrate. |
How it is used in a sentence
- Mr is short for mister, from master.Which is why the abbreviation has no I.
- A master copy is the original.Recording.
- Magister means teacher in Latin.The source of both.
Words from *magister*
- Master — one in charge
- Mister — the reduced everyday form
- Magistrate — a judicial officer
- Maestro — Italian, a musical master
- Magisterial — authoritative
From Old English *mægester* and Old French *maistre*, both from Latin *magister*, a chief or teacher, from *magis*, more.
Why is Mr abbreviated without an I?
Because it abbreviates *master*, the older form, rather than the modern pronunciation *mister*.
Are master and mister the same word?
Yes. Mister developed from master in unstressed positions before a name.