Belt Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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belt
[belt ]
Definitions
clothing
A belt is a strip of leather or other material worn around the waist to support clothing or carry weapons.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| belt |
Used for accessories, clothing, or machinery when describing a strip of material that fastens, supports, or drives objects.
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| strap |
Refers to a narrow piece of leather, cloth, or other material, often used to fasten, secure, or carry items. It can refer to parts of bags, devices, or even shoes.
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| band |
Typically refers to a strip of material that encircles, binds, or marks something, often used in contexts like jewelry or to describe certain groups.
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| sash |
Commonly used to describe a long strip or loop of cloth worn over the shoulder or around the waist, often for ceremonial, formal, or decorative purposes.
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Examples of usage
- She wore a beautiful belt with her dress.
- He tightened his belt before going on stage.
martial arts
In martial arts, a belt is a colored band worn by practitioners to signify rank and skill level.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| belt |
A belt is typically used to hold up pants or skirts around the waist. It can also signify a tool used in machinery to transfer motion or power.
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| band |
Band usually refers to a thin strip of material wrapped around something, like hair, the wrist, or used in forming a loop. It can also mean a group of musicians.
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| sash |
A sash is a long piece of cloth worn over the shoulder or around the waist, often as a part of formal wear or to signify rank or authority.
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| strap |
A strap is a narrow piece of material, often leather or fabric, used to secure or carry something, like a bag or watch. It can also refer to fastenings on clothing.
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Examples of usage
- He earned his black belt in karate after years of training.
- She was awarded a purple belt in jiu-jitsu.
fasten
To belt something means to fasten it tightly with a belt or similar object.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| belt |
Commonly used when talking about a region, such as a geographical belt, or to denote a hard strike. This context often differs from clothing.
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| fasten |
General term for securely attaching or closing something. Can be used in a variety of contexts but doesn't specifically describe belts.
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| secure |
Broader term that means to make something safe or stable. It can apply to physical objects, data, or situations, and often implies ensuring a higher level of safety.
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| buckle |
Relevant when discussing the fastening mechanism on belts, shoes, or other items that use a clasp. Also used metaphorically to describe something collapsing under pressure.
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Examples of usage
- She belted her coat to stay warm in the cold weather.
- He belted his bag to his bike for extra security.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Significance
- In various cultures, belts have symbols of power and status, often used to display wealth through intricate designs.
- Martial arts use colored belts to signify levels of expertise, with different colors representing different ranks and achievements.
Fashion History
- Belts were traditionally made from animal hides; today, they come in materials like canvas, metal, and even recycled plastics.
- In the 1920s, women’s fashion saw the introduction of wide belts to accentuate the waistline, reflecting changing styles.
Science
- Belts can be made with adjustable features, utilizing mechanisms that allow for varying tightness, which is an example of simple engineering.
- The physics of belts demonstrates tension and support, showing how they keep pants up by distributing weight evenly.
Literature and Media
- A belt can symbolize a journey or transformation in stories, often representing a character's growth or new responsibilities.
- In movies, characters sometimes use a belt as a tool or weapon, adding a layer of resourcefulness to their persona.
Origin of 'belt'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'belt' comes from the Old English 'bælte', which means 'a girdle or strap'.
- It has Germanic roots, linking it to words in other languages like 'Belt' in Norse and 'Binde' in German, which both mean to bind or tie.
The word 'belt' originated from the Old English word 'bælt', which in turn came from the Proto-Germanic 'baltijaz'. Belts have been used by various cultures throughout history for practical and decorative purposes. In modern times, belts serve as both functional accessories and fashion statements, with a wide variety of styles and materials available.