The suffix that indicates feminine gender is rapidly becoming obsolete when discussing a woman's professional or actual ability in comparison to that of men. For the most part, ability, or at least qualifications or assessment, is assumed to be equal; therefore, the suffix is dispensed with as an archaic label once used to distinguish women from men. In fact, the words you mention have actually taken on connotations of their own. "Hostess" generally applies to a woman giving a party, or hosting in a service capacity. "Actress" is still used occasionally, but can imply (though not necessarily) a secondary degree of seriousness. And "heroine" is often not heroic at all, but the woman saved or resued by the hero (male or female), or simply the female lead in a play. It is now assumed these words indicate stereotypes no longer applicable in their original meaning.

Anyway, that's the way I look at it. Hope it helps.

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Dave

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