A "Mistress" typically refers to a woman who has a romantic or sexual relationship with a man who is married to someone else. This relationship is often kept secret, and the mistress may provide emotional or physical intimacy that the man does not receive from his wife. The term can also imply a power dynamic, where the mistress may have some influence over the man’s decisions or actions. In historical contexts, the term "mistress" has also been used to describe a woman who has authority or control, such as a household manager or a teacher. In literature and art, mistresses are often depicted as complex characters, embodying themes of love, betrayal, and societal norms.