When and when not to capitalize 'M' in "Master"?

[Steve R 1 Nimmo]

In likeness to a question posted earlier about capitalization, I'd want to clarify whether you would consider it an error if someone capitalizes the “M” in “Master" if it is a religious/cult figure being referred to (a magician in this case). I think there's a fine line between use of 'm' or 'M' and it should be considered acceptable either way. What say y'all?

[Alissa Nesson]

Is master a specific title or a general position? If it’s a specific title, capitalize it. If it’s followed by a name, like Master Luke, then it should be capitalized.

[Steve R 1 Nimmo]

'Master' is not a specific title assigned to the person in question, but he happens to be a highly revered magician. The reason I chose to refer to this person as 'Master' was to evoke a sense of awe in the minds of readers. Even dictionaries I referred to contend that it's fine to refer to cult leaders (which the magician in the novel obviously is) that way.

[Alissa Nesson]

I would still leave it lowercase unless it precedes the magicians name or when that character is being directly addressed by the title. It’s my opinion that the position of master is sufficient to evoke what you’re going for. If I were reading your book for review, I wouldn’t mark the capitalization as an error because it seems to fall into the realm of creative license, but it would be more correct to only capitalize it as a form of address or when it precedes the character’s name.

[Steve R 1 Nimmo]

Thanks. It makes sense when you say that 'm' in "master" can be capitalised when addressing someone or when it precedes a character's name. It's interesting to note though that the capitalisation of 'm' was more common in traditional contexts. For example, in medieval Europe, a craftsman might always be referred to as "Master" to reflect their high status and expertise, regardless of whether or not it was part of a formal title. It seems as if the change in capitalisation over time reflects broader changes in language use and social attitudes.

[Ron_Elâm]

In likeness to a question posted earlier about capitalization, I'd want to clarify whether you would consider it an error if someone capitalizes the “M” in “Master" if it is a religious/cult figure being referred to (a magician in this case). I think there's a fine line between use of 'm' or 'M' and it should be considered acceptable either way. What say y'all?

Great question!

I don't recall how the word "master" was used in your book. However, consider the difference between "Yes, master" and "Yes, Master Greg" to help work this out in future writings.

Ron

[NoviceReader]

If "master" means "proficient", then?

[Steve R 1 Nimmo]

In likeness to a question posted earlier about capitalization, I'd want to clarify whether you would consider it an error if someone capitalizes the “M” in “Master" if it is a religious/cult figure being referred to (a magician in this case). I think there's a fine line between use of 'm' or 'M' and it should be considered acceptable either way. What say y'all?

Great question!

I don't recall how the word "master" was used in your book. However, consider the difference between "Yes, master" and "Yes, Master Greg" to help work this out in future writings.

Ron

Thanks for that, but, as pointed out in a previous post, you haven't accounted for the possibility of the person being directly addressed as 'Master' without referring to their name.

[Steve R 1 Nimmo]

If "master" means "proficient", then?

Referring to someone as "master" always signifies that the person is proficient in something, but cultural and hierarchical considerations dictate the capitalisation of 'm'. For example, a religious leader may be referred to as "Master" but a person highly skilled in his vocation would likely be referred to as "master" notwithstanding his level of proficiency.

[Diana Lowery]

In likeness to a question posted earlier about capitalization, I'd want to clarify whether you would consider it an error if someone capitalizes the “M” in “Master" if it is a religious/cult figure being referred to (a magician in this case). I think there's a fine line between use of 'm' or 'M' and it should be considered acceptable either way. What say y'all?

Great question!

I don't recall how the word "master" was used in your book. However, consider the difference between "Yes, master" and "Yes, Master Greg" to help work this out in future writings.

Ron

Thanks for that, but, as pointed out in a previous post, you haven't accounted for the possibility of the person being directly addressed as 'Master' without referring to their name.

I don't have a source to cite but consider this. If you substitute the word mother for master, you would capitalize master if you were talking directly to that person and using that as their name. "Yes, Mother, I will do that." If you are referring to the person, it would not be capitalized. "My mother said no."
If you are using the word as a name, it would be capitalized. "Mother said no."

[Ron_Elâm]

"Mother" is capitalized when used as a direct address, as in "Yes, Mother, I'll do it." The difference between "master" and "mother" comes down to how we treat certain kinship terms compared to occupational or relational titles. When referring to a master of the arts (such as magic), "master" is an occupational title and so is not capitalized as are kinship names.

[Ron_Elâm]

The Chicago Manual of Style, 8.21: "Titles of rank or occupation are lowercase when they follow or stand in place of the name."

[Steve R 1 Nimmo]

Interestingly, when the titles are used as appositives that precede a name, they need not be capitalised. Consider, for example, the difference between "The master, Borlock is due to arrive soon" and "Master Borlock is due to arrive soon". It helps that the comma enables us to distinguish between the different usages of the title phrase.

[Blueberry Dragon]

The Chicago Manual of Style, 8.21: "Titles of rank or occupation are lowercase when they follow or stand in place of the name."

I'm not sure I understand this rule. Would "Yes, Prime Minister" or "Yes, Mr. President" be correct or not? I thought they would be, but this rule seems to contradict that. Do the other style manuals like AP also recommend the same?

[Diana Lowery]

Joe Biden, president, was there. (lower case when they follow the name)
The president was there.(lower case when they stand in place of the name.)
Yes, Mr. President. (when used in a direct address)
President Joe Biden was there. (part of a title)