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Attire: meaning, definitions and examples

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attire

 

[əˈtaɪər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

formal clothing

Attire refers to clothes, especially formal or fancy ones. It can also refer to a particular outfit or garments worn for a specific occasion.

Synonyms

clothing, dress, garb, outfit.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
attire

Used in more formal or written contexts, typically referring to what someone is wearing for a special occasion or in a professional setting.

  • Her elegant attire made her stand out at the gala.
  • Please come in business attire to the meeting.
clothing

A general term for what people wear, suitable for everyday and casual contexts.

  • She went shopping for new clothing.
  • Make sure you pack enough clothing for the trip.
garb

Has a more old-fashioned or literary feel and is often used to describe specific kinds of traditional or cultural clothing.

  • He wore the traditional garb of his tribe.
  • The actors were in medieval garb for the play.
dress

Used to describe a specific style of clothing, often formal or semi-formal. It can also refer to the act of putting on clothes.

  • Her wedding dress was absolutely beautiful.
  • He decided to dress casually for the party.
outfit

Refers to a set of clothes worn together, and is often used informally when describing someone's appearance or fashion choice.

  • She wore a trendy outfit to the party.
  • I need to find the perfect outfit for the concert.

Examples of usage

  • She wore elegant attire to the gala.
  • The bridal party was dressed in matching attire for the wedding.
Context #2 | Verb

to dress up

To attire is to dress up or put on special clothes. It implies a sense of formality or dressing for a specific purpose.

Synonyms

clothe, dress up, garb.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
attire

Formal or specialized clothing, often used to specify a particular style or ensemble for an event.

  • He wore traditional Scottish attire to the wedding.
  • The invitation specified formal attire.
dress up

To wear clothes that are more formal or nicer than what you usually wear; often for special occasions.

  • Kids love to dress up for Halloween.
  • She decided to dress up for the office party.
clothe

General term meaning to cover the body with clothes; often used in everyday contexts.

  • It's important to clothe yourself warmly in winter.
  • She helped clothe the homeless.
garb

Special or distinctive clothing, typically associated with a particular profession or activity; sometimes has an old-fashioned or formal tone.

  • The judges wore their official judicial garb.
  • He donned the garb of a medieval knight for the festival.

Examples of usage

  • He attired himself in a tuxedo for the event.
  • The actors were attired in period costumes for the play.

Translations

Translations of the word "attire" in other languages:

🇵🇹 vestuário

🇮🇳 वस्त्र

🇩🇪 Kleidung

🇮🇩 pakaian

🇺🇦 одяг

🇵🇱 odzież

🇯🇵 服装

🇫🇷 tenue

🇪🇸 atuendo

🇹🇷 giysi

🇰🇷 복장

🇸🇦 ملابس

🇨🇿 oblečení

🇸🇰 oblečenie

🇨🇳 服装

🇸🇮 obleka

🇮🇸 fatnaður

🇰🇿 киім

🇬🇪 ტანსაცმელი

🇦🇿 geyim

🇲🇽 atuendo

Etymology

The word "attire" originated from the Middle English word "atir", meaning "to equip or dress". It has its roots in the Old French word "atirier" and the Latin word "ad-" (to) + "tirare" (to draw, to pull). Over time, "attire" evolved to refer specifically to clothing or garments worn for specific occasions.

See also: attired.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,273, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.