effendi

[ ih-fen-dee ]

noun

, plural ef·fen·dis.

1. a former Turkish title of respect, especially for government officials.
2. (in eastern Mediterranean countries) a man who is a member of the aristocracy.

effendi

/ ɛˈfɛndɪ /

noun

1. (in the Ottoman Empire) a title of respect used to address men of learning or social standing
2. (in Turkey since 1934) the oral title of address equivalent to Mr

Word History and Origins

Origin of effendi¹

1605–15; < Turkish efendi < Modern Greek, Greek authentḗs doer, master. See authentic

Word History and Origins

Origin of effendi¹

C17: from Turkish efendi master, from Modern Greek aphentēs, from Greek authentēs lord, doer; see authentic

Example Sentences

Nursyirwan Effendi is not wealthy—not in terms of money, that is.

From The Daily Beast

His lordship insisted that the reis effendi should be dismissed from his office.

From Project Gutenberg

The Rabbi Effendi had approached the river from a different direction, and that some years before.

From Project Gutenberg

His Majesty is deeply grieved to hear of the Khanum Effendi's illness.

From Project Gutenberg

An Effendi took the watch yesterday to show it to Vartan, the jeweler.

From Project Gutenberg

I will not tell you his name, nor the name of the Effendi to whose harem he belongs.

From Project Gutenberg