Question

Pick out the feminine form of the given masculine noun: Duke
a) Dukess
b) Duchess
c) Dukee
d) Maiden

Answer 1

Hint: A Duke is a word that is used to address a male monarch ranked below the emperor, king or a Grand Duke that is ruling over a duchy or a royalty. It is used to refer to a man who has power and authority in a kingdom or state.

Complete answer:
The word duchess is used to address a female who is ranked below the emperor, king, or supreme authority. She has absolute powers and has a say in the decision-making process. However in some countries such as the UK, the term Duke is used even for females, and the word duchess is reserved for those who marry dukes. But in present-day English, duchess is used to refer to a woman who is in the same position as a Duke. For example The Duchess of Connaught died in London on March 14, 1917. Dukess is used to refer to a girl who is spoiled or thinks and acts like a princess. It’s a slang word and doesn’t have usage in the English language. Hence it isn’t the feminine form of Duke. The word ‘dukee’ is meaningless and hence is incorrect. A maiden is used to refer to a young unmarried girl or woman. It has no reference to royalty or the ruling status of a woman. She doesn’t own any power or authority nor a ruling and commanding status in her state. Example: Two knights fought to win the hand of a fair maiden. Hence maiden is the incorrect feminine form of Duke. Hence option d is incorrect.

Note:
 Dukess isn’t the female form of Duke. It's a word used as slang and hence doesn’t have any usage in the proper English language.