All 37 Positive & Impactful Words Ending in -ress (With Meanings & Examples)
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Progress, destress, and redress—these words, each ending in -ress, are part of a larger collection that beneficially helps expand your vocabulary. So, we had to ask: What are all the positive and impactful words ending in -ress?
Some of the most used positive & impactful words ending in -ress include progress, express, dress, impress, destress, address, press, eustress, redress, and caress. In total, there are a few dozen of these positive & impactful words.
Join us as we delve into the beauty and significance of these words, uncovering their meanings and embracing the power they hold to create a positive impact in our daily lives. We’ll then also share the most used words ending in -ress, ten interesting facts about words ending in -ress, and a brief history of the development of our alphabet.
Here Are All 37 Positive & Impactful Words Ending in -ress
In the diverse landscape of English grammar, words are categorized into various groups based on their functions within sentences. These groups, referred to as ‘part-of-speech,’ are the building blocks of language, enabling you to communicate your thoughts, ideas, and emotions effectively.
Noun: A noun is a word that represents a person, place, thing, or idea.
Adjective: An adjective is a word that describes or modifies a noun.
Verb: A verb is a word that represents an action, an occurrence, or a state of being.
Adverb: An adverb is a word that modifies a verb, an adjective, or another adverb.
Interjection: An interjection is a word or phrase that expresses strong emotion or surprise; it can stand alone or be inserted into a sentence.
These ‘part-of-speech’ are the building blocks for you to choose the right grammatical type of word.
These Are All Words Ending in -ress That Are Inherently Positive & Impactful
Quick info: Please note that some words in the table below may appear more than once. This is because they can serve different roles in a sentence (their ‘part-of-speech’), such as being both an adjective and an adverb. In this case, we present you the word along with a description and an example sentence for each of their part-of-speech.
| Words Ending in -ress | Description (with synonyms) | Example sentence |
| Address | To direct someone to a specific location or place, providing guidance and assistance (guide, lead, direct). | “I will address the issue with the faulty equipment and provide a solution.” |
| Benefactress | A woman who provides help or support, especially through financial means, demonstrating generosity and compassion (philanthropist, patron, donor). | “She was known as a generous benefactress, always willing to support local charities and organizations.” |
| Buttress | A structure built against or projecting from a wall to support or reinforce it, providing strength and stability (support, reinforcement, pillar). | “The buttress was essential in ensuring the stability of the ancient cathedral.” |
| Buttress | To provide support or reinforcement, strengthening or bolstering an argument or position (support, reinforce, fortify). | “The expert’s research findings buttress the theory that exercise improves cognitive function.” |
| Caress | To touch or stroke gently and lovingly, expressing affection or tenderness (soothe, fondle, stroke). | “She caressed her newborn baby’s cheek, filling her heart with love and tenderness.” |
| Derepress | To release from a state of repression or suppression, allowing for emotional or creative expression (liberate, unburden, unleash). | “After years of therapy, she was finally able to derepress her emotions and express herself freely.” |
| Destress | To alleviate stress or tension, promoting relaxation and calmness (unwind, relax, decompress). | “I like to destress by taking a long walk in nature and listening to calming music.” |
| Dress | To attire oneself in clothing, often with care and attention to detail, creating a sense of confidence and professionalism (adorn, deck out, outfit). | “She always dresses impeccably for job interviews, which helps her exude confidence and professionalism.” |
| Dress | A garment consisting of a skirt and a bodice, worn by women for formal or special occasions, symbolizing elegance and femininity (gown, frock, attire). | “She looked stunning in her red dress at the gala, exuding confidence and grace.” |
| Educatress | A female teacher or educator, who is dedicated to educating and empowering her students (teacher, mentor, instructor). | “The educatress was passionate about helping her students reach their full potential and instilling a love of learning in them.” |
| Empress | A female ruler of an empire, often associated with power and elegance, (sovereign, queen, monarch). | “The empress of Japan is highly respected for her leadership and dedication to her people.” |
| Enchantress | A woman who uses magic or sorcery to charm or fascinate others, often portrayed as a seductive and alluring figure, capable of casting spells and curses (captivating and beguiling figure, sorceress, charmer). | “The enchantress cast a spell on the prince, turning him into a frog, but ultimately helped him learn a valuable lesson about kindness and humility.” |
| Eustress | Positive stress that motivates and energizes a person, leading to increased productivity and satisfaction (positive stress, beneficial stress, motivating stress). | “The eustress of preparing for a big presentation helped me focus and perform at my best.” |
| Express | Clearly conveying thoughts or feelings, indicating a strong ability to communicate effectively and efficiently (articulate, eloquent, fluent). | “She gave an express and articulate presentation that left the audience thoroughly impressed.” |
| Express | To communicate or convey a thought or feeling clearly and effectively, allowing for better understanding and connection (articulate, convey, communicate). | “She was able to express her gratitude to her parents for their unwavering support throughout her life.” |
| Express | To convey thoughts or feelings through words or actions, demonstrating effective communication skills and emotional intelligence (communicate, articulate, convey). | “Her expressiveness in her speech moved the audience to tears.” |
| Fortress | A heavily fortified and secure building or structure, providing protection and defense against enemies (stronghold, citadel, bastion). | “The fortress stood strong against the enemy’s attacks, providing a safe haven for the people inside.” |
| Headmistress | A female principal of a school, responsible for its overall management and discipline, ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for students (school administrator, educational leader, principal). | “The headmistress of the school was highly respected by both students and staff for her dedication to creating a positive and inclusive learning environment.” |
| Heiress | A woman who inherits a large amount of money or property, often seen as privileged and wealthy, but can also use her resources to make a positive impact on society (benefactor, philanthropist, contributor). | “The heiress donated a significant amount of her inheritance to fund a new community center, providing resources and opportunities for underprivileged youth in the area.” |
| Idolatress | A female worshipper of idols, often used to describe a devoted fan of a celebrity or public figure (admirer, devotee, enthusiast). | “The idolatress waited outside the concert venue for hours just to catch a glimpse of her favorite singer, showing her unwavering devotion and admiration.” |
| Impress | To make a strong impact or leave a lasting impression on someone, often through one’s skills or achievements, inspiring admiration or respect (awe, amaze, dazzle). | “Her performance in the play impressed the audience and earned her a standing ovation.” |
| Jangleress | A female singer who performs light or frivolous songs, often in a high-pitched voice, bringing joy and entertainment to her audience (entertainer, songstress, performer). | “The jangleress’s performance was a delightful and uplifting experience for everyone in the audience.” |
| Jointress | A woman who is skilled in making joints, especially in carpentry or masonry, contributing to the success of construction projects (skilled joint maker, expert connector, proficient carpenter). | “The jointress’s precise work ensured that the building’s structure was strong and secure.” |
| Kirtle-dress | A type of dress worn in the Middle Ages, representing a connection to history and tradition (historic, traditional, medieval). | “She looked stunning in her kirtle-dress, which added a touch of historic elegance to the medieval-themed party.” |
| Laundress | A woman who is employed to wash and iron clothes for others, often in a large household or commercial setting, demonstrating hard work and attention to detail (washerwoman, laundry worker, clothes cleaner). | “The laundress at the hotel always made sure that every guest’s clothes were impeccably clean and neatly pressed, earning her a reputation for her exceptional work ethic and attention to detail.” |
| Letterpress | A printing process in which ink is applied to raised surfaces of movable type and then transferred to paper, resulting in a tactile and high-quality print (artistic, elegant, refined). | “The couple’s wedding invitations were beautifully crafted using letterpress, giving them a sophisticated and timeless feel.” |
| Mattress | A rectangular pad for supporting the body, typically used as a bed or part of a bed. (Comfortable and supportive, providing a good night’s sleep) (bedding, cushion, pad). | “I invested in a high-quality mattress and now I wake up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day.” |
| Press | A machine used for printing or publishing news, information, or entertainment, often serving as a watchdog for democracy and holding those in power accountable (journalistic, informative, informative) | “The press played a crucial role in exposing the corruption scandal and bringing justice to the victims.” |
| Press | To apply pressure or force to something in order to flatten or shape it, often used in the context of printing or ironing (flatten, shape, iron). | “I need to press my shirt before the interview to make sure it looks neat and professional.” |
| Progress | The process of improving or developing over time, often leading to positive outcomes and achievements (advancement, growth, development). | “The progress made by the team in the last quarter has been remarkable, resulting in increased revenue and customer satisfaction.” |
| Progress | To continue to move forward or make progress towards a goal, indicating growth and development (advance, evolve, improve). | “Despite facing many obstacles, she was determined to progress in her career and worked hard to achieve her goals.” |
| Redress | A remedy or compensation for a wrong or grievance, providing a means of justice and fairness (reparation, restitution, compensation). | “The company offered a generous redress to the customers affected by the faulty product, showing their commitment to customer satisfaction and fairness.” |
| Redress | To remedy or rectify a wrong or unfair situation, often through compensation or apology, demonstrating a commitment to justice and fairness (correct, amend, rectify). | “The company redressed their mistake by offering a full refund and a sincere apology to the affected customers.” |
| Sculptress | A female artist who creates sculptures, often with great skill and creativity, inspiring awe and admiration in those who view her work (sculptor, carver, modeler). | “The sculptress’ latest piece was a stunning representation of the human form, leaving all who saw it in awe of her talent.” |
| Seamstress | A person who sews for a living, creating beautiful and functional garments and accessories (tailor, dressmaker, couturier). | “My seamstress did an amazing job altering my wedding dress to fit me perfectly, and I felt absolutely stunning on my big day.” |
| Toastmistress | A female toastmaster who presides over a formal banquet or gathering, ensuring that the event runs smoothly and that guests are entertained and engaged (hostess, emcee, master of ceremonies). | “The toastmistress did an excellent job at keeping the guests engaged and entertained throughout the entire banquet.” |
| Votaress | A female devotee of a particular religion or cult, demonstrating strong commitment and dedication to her beliefs (zealot, disciple, adherent). | “The votaress spent hours each day in prayer and meditation, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to her faith.” |
| Waitress | A woman who serves food and drink at tables in a restaurant or cafe, often symbolizing service industry, hospitality, and customer service (server, food server, waitstaff). | “The waitress was commended for her exceptional customer service.” |
| Warrioress | A female warrior, usually considered a hero or champion in a noble cause, often representing strength, courage, and empowerment (female fighter, heroine, amazon). | “The tales of the ancient warrioress inspired many.” |
| Watercress | A fast-growing aquatic or semi-aquatic perennial plant often used in salads, symbolizing food, plants, and nature (Nasturtium officinale, salad green, edible plant). | “She added watercress to her sandwich for a peppery flavor.” |
| Winepress | A device used to extract juice from crushed grapes during wine making, symbolizing tradition, industry, and the art of winemaking (press, grape press, vintner’s equipment). | “He watched the grape juice flow from the winepress, anticipating the wine it would become.” |
| Xpress | A stylized form of ‘express’, it promotes conveying feelings or thoughts (xpress, express, convey, communicate). | “It’s important to ‘xpress’ your ideas clearly during the presentation.” |
These Are All Words Ending in -ress That Can Be Used In a Positive & Impactful Way
Now that we’ve covered all words ending in -ress that inherently exude positivity and impact, let’s complete the list and shift gears to another exciting set of words. These next words might not generally spell ‘positivity’ or ‘impact’ but when used thoughtfully, can surely add a positive & impactful spin to any conversation.
This next set of words exemplifies the beauty of language – their meaning is not just fixed but can be shaped by the context they are used in. So, try to use these words too, to have a bigger positive impact with your conversations.
| Words Ending in -ress | Description (with synonyms) | Example sentence |
| Stress | To place emphasis on something, conveying its importance and urgency (highlight, accentuate, underline). | “I want to stress the importance of staying hydrated during exercise to prevent injury.” |
| Undress | To remove one’s clothing, often in a private setting, signifying comfort and trust (strip, disrobe, unclothe). | “After a long day at work, I undress and slip into my cozy pajamas, feeling a sense of relief and relaxation wash over me.” |
10 Most Used Positive & Impactful Words Ending in -ress
Yet, some words that end in -ress are used more often than others. Below are some of the most used positive and impactful words ending in -ress:
- Progress
- Express
- Dress
- Impress
- Destress
- Address
- Press
- Eustress
- Redress
- Caress
10 Interesting Facts About Words Ending in -ress
Let’s take a step back and have a look at some interesting facts about words ending in -ress. We discover its intriguing features and enduring influence on the English language.
- Formation of Nouns: The “-ress” suffix is often used to form feminine nouns, particularly from masculine counterparts, indicating a female who performs an action or holds a position, such as “actress” or “hostess”.
- Gender-Specific Usage: Historically, “-ress” has been used to create gender-specific titles or professions, though this practice has become less common in modern times due to evolving views on gender roles.
- Variety in Origins: While many “-ress” words have roots in Old French and Latin, the suffix has been applied to words from various linguistic origins.
- Use in Descriptive Language: “-ress” nouns are often descriptive, specifying the role or occupation of a female individual.
- Common in Historical Contexts: The use of “-ress” has been more prevalent in historical contexts, reflecting the gender distinctions in language of earlier periods.
- Declining Usage in Modern English: There is a modern trend towards using gender-neutral terms, leading to a decline in the use of “-ress” suffixes in favor of the original masculine form (e.g., “actor” for both men and women).
- Presence in Literary and Artistic Fields: “-ress” words have been commonly used in literary and artistic fields, reflecting the cultural norms of different eras.
- Phonetic Distinctiveness: The “-ress” ending contributes a distinctive sound to words, adding to the phonetic diversity of English.
- Reflects Sociolinguistic Changes: The evolving use of “-ress” reflects broader sociolinguistic changes regarding gender equality and the representation of women.
- Variety of Applications: Despite being associated with gender, “-ress” words span a wide range of fields and occupations, from creative arts to administrative roles.
A Brief History of Our Alphabet
The story of our alphabet has a rich and compelling history, beginning with ancient civilizations and carrying forward into the present day.
The history of our modern alphabet is a fascinating journey that spans several millennia and cultures. It’s commonly referred to as the Latin or Roman alphabet, and here’s a brief overview of its evolution:
- Phoenician Alphabet (circa 1050 BCE): The story begins with the Phoenician alphabet, one of the oldest writing systems known to use a one-to-one correspondence between sounds and symbols. This Semitic alphabet had about 22 consonants, but no vowels, and was primarily used for trade.
- Greek Alphabet (circa 800 BCE): The Greeks borrowed and adapted the Phoenician script. Crucially, they introduced vowels, making it one of the first true alphabets where each symbol represented a distinct sound (both vowel and consonant). The Greek alphabet had a significant influence on the development of other alphabets.
- Etruscan Alphabet (circa 700 BCE): The Etruscan civilization in Italy adapted the Greek alphabet to their own language. While Etruscan was largely replaced by Latin, their version of the alphabet was a key predecessor to the Roman one.
- Latin Alphabet (circa 700 BCE – Present): The Latin alphabet emerged from the adaptation of the Etruscan script. Ancient Rome used this alphabet, and it spread across Europe as the Roman Empire expanded. The original Latin alphabet did not contain the letters J, U, and W. These were added much later along with other modifications to suit different languages and phonetic needs.
- Modern Variations: Today, the Latin alphabet is the most widely used alphabetic writing system in the world. It has undergone various changes to accommodate different languages and sounds. For instance, English—among other languages—added letters like ‘J’, ‘U’, and ‘W’, while other languages incorporate additional characters like ‘Ñ’ in Spanish or ‘Ç’ in French.
This evolution reflects not just linguistic changes but also cultural and historical shifts, as the alphabet was adapted by different societies across centuries.
Final Thoughts
Expanding your vocabulary is akin to broadening your intellectual horizons and enhancing your capacity to express your thoughts and emotions with precision. By embracing additional words ending in -ress, you’re not just learning new terms, but you’re also gaining nuanced ways to communicate positivity and impact.
The more words you have at your disposal, the more accurately and vividly you can paint your thoughts into speech and writing. So, by growing your vocabulary, especially with positive and impactful words, you’re empowering yourself to engage more effectively and inspiringly with the world around you.
Stay impactful,
Sources
- Impactful Ninja: Positive & Impactful Words Starting With A
- Impactful Ninja: Positive & Impactful Words Starting With B
- Impactful Ninja: Positive & Impactful Words Starting With C
- Impactful Ninja: Positive & Impactful Words Starting With D
- Impactful Ninja: Positive & Impactful Words Starting With E
- Impactful Ninja: Positive & Impactful Words Starting With F
- Impactful Ninja: Positive & Impactful Words Starting With G
- Impactful Ninja: Positive & Impactful Words Starting With H
- Impactful Ninja: Positive & Impactful Words Starting With I
- Impactful Ninja: Positive & Impactful Words Starting With J
- Impactful Ninja: Positive & Impactful Words Starting With K
- Impactful Ninja: Positive & Impactful Words Starting With L
- Impactful Ninja: Positive & Impactful Words Starting With M
- Impactful Ninja: Positive & Impactful Words Starting With N
- Impactful Ninja: Positive & Impactful Words Starting With O
- Impactful Ninja: Positive & Impactful Words Starting With P
- Impactful Ninja: Positive & Impactful Words Starting With Q
- Impactful Ninja: Positive & Impactful Words Starting With R
- Impactful Ninja: Positive & Impactful Words Starting With S
- Impactful Ninja: Positive & Impactful Words Starting With T
- Impactful Ninja: Positive & Impactful Words Starting With U
- Impactful Ninja: Positive & Impactful Words Starting With V
- Impactful Ninja: Positive & Impactful Words Starting With W
- Impactful Ninja: Positive & Impactful Words Starting With X
- Impactful Ninja: Positive & Impactful Words Starting With Y
- Impactful Ninja: Positive & Impactful Words Starting With Z
- Wikipedia: Part of Speech
- David Sacks: Letter Perfect: The Marvelous History of Our Alphabet From A to Z
