Style (form of address)


A style of office, also called manner of reference, or form of address when someone is spoken to directly, is an official or legally recognized form of reference for a person or other entity, and may often be used in conjunction with a personal title. A style, by tradition or law, precedes a reference to a person who holds a post or political office and is sometimes used to refer to the office itself. An honorific can also be awarded to an individual in a personal capacity. Such styles are particularly associated with monarchies, where they may be used by a wife of an office holder or of a prince of the blood, for the duration of their marriage. They are also almost universally used for presidents in republics and in many countries for members of legislative bodies, higher-ranking judges, and senior constitutional office holders. Leading religious figures also have styles.
The second-person possessive adjective your is used as a form of address ; the third-person possessive adjectives his/her' and their are used as forms of reference.

Examples

Academia

Traditional forms of address at German-speaking universities:
  • His/Her Magnificence – rector of a university
  • His/Her Notability – dean of a faculty
Traditional forms of address at Dutch-speaking universities:
  • His/Her Great Honour – rector magnificus of a university
  • Highly Learned Sir/Madam – professor or dean of a faculty
  • Well Very Learned Sir/Madam – a doctor
  • Well Learned Sir/Madam – a doctorandus
  • Well Strictly Sir/Madam – a master in laws or a university engineer
Traditional forms of address at Italian-speaking universities:
  • Magnificent Rector – rector of a university
  • Amplified Headmaster – dean of a faculty
  • Illustrious/Enlightened Professor – a full professor

    Government

Diplomats