Here's a breakdown of how "-ess" functions:
* Historically: It was originally used to mark feminine forms of nouns, much like the "-a" suffix in Spanish or the "-e" suffix in French. This is why we have words like "actress," "princess," and "hostess."
* Modern Usage: The "-ess" suffix is now largely considered archaic and outdated, especially in formal writing. It's often seen as outdated, potentially even sexist, as it implies that a female version needs to be distinguished from the male one.
* Exceptions: Some "-ess" words are still common and accepted, like "princess" and "actress," but others are increasingly seen as archaic.
* Alternatives: We use other ways to indicate gender in English:
* Different words: We use different words for men and women, such as "actor" vs. "actress" or "waiter" vs. "waitress."
* Neutral terms: We use gender-neutral terms like "chairperson" or "flight attendant" to avoid gender-specific language.
In conclusion, while "-ess" has a history of marking feminine nouns, it's not a universal rule, and modern English is increasingly moving towards more neutral and inclusive language.