ENGLISH
REFERENCE

nee

adj.
C1 Advanced US //ˈni// nee

adj. used to show the family name a married woman had before she got married. It comes from a French word meaning 'born'.

adj. indicates the maiden name of a married woman. Derived from the feminine past participle of the French 'naître' (to be born).


SIMPLE

The invitation was for Mrs. Jane Smith, nee Jones.

CONTEXTUAL

In the family tree, she is listed as Catherine Miller, nee Thompson, to clarify her lineage.

COMPLEX

The legal document required the claimant to list her full name, including her nee surname, to verify her identity against older property records.

Usage

Typically placed immediately after a woman's married name to introduce her original family name.

Pitfall

Mrs. Smith, born JonesMrs. Smith, nee JonesWhile 'born' is understood, 'nee' is the standard formal term used in genealogy, legal contexts, and social announcements.

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