gouvernante
- noun
- /ˌɡuːvərˈnɑːnt/
- Archaic
:
gobernanta
- As a dedicated gouvernante, she ensured the children completed their homework before playtime.
Examples
-
The children were excited to see their gouvernante waiting for them after school each day.
-
Our gouvernante taught us how to read and write while also caring for us at home.
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Our gouvernante was taking my sister and myself every day to school, and I saw this creature on the road, but we were not allowed to play with them because we were something better.
Synonyms
37
3.0
A woman employed to look after children in a home
22
7.9
A woman who lives with a family to teach and care for children
12
5.3
A woman who cares for young children in a private home
1
9.9
A woman who looks after children and helps with housework
Surface Forms
Etymology
The word gouvernante comes from the French gouverner, which means 'to govern' or 'to steer', and is like the English governor. A helpful image is a gouvernante 'steering' a child's learning and daily life, which is why the word means a woman who teaches and cares for children.