<P> It is now very uncommon for a woman to be addressed by her husband's first name; however, this still sometimes occurs if a couple is being addressed jointly, such as in Mr and Mrs John Smith . </P> <P> Many married women still use the title with their spouse's last name but retaining their first name (e.g., Mrs Jane Smith). Other married women choose not to adopt their spouse's last name at all . It is generally considered polite to address a woman by Ms rather than Mrs, unless the preference of the woman in question is clearly known . This is especially true in written communication, as dictated by professional etiquette . </P> <P> Modern etiquette provides various options in addressing married couples in which the wife uses her own last name, or uses a title such as Dr, Mayor, or Ms. Etiquette writer Judith Martin ("Miss Manners") generally advises that, in non-standard situations, the individuals be addressed on separate lines when writing invitations (e.g., "Dr Sue Martin / Mr John Martin"). </P> <P> In direct address, a woman with the title Mrs may be addressed Mrs (Lastname), or with the stand - alone Madam or Ma'am, although the latter two are more often used for any adult woman, regardless of marital status, in modern conversation . It is normally considered correct to address a woman as Ms (Lastname), regardless of her marital status . </P>

What is the full meaning of mr and mrs