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Closet Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿšช
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closet

[หˆklษ’zษชt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

storage space

A small room or a space in a wall with a door, used for storing things such as clothes or household items.

Synonyms

cabinet, cupboard, wardrobe.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
closet

Used primarily in American English for a small room or space for storing clothes, shoes, and other personal items. Can also refer to a place to hide things metaphorically.

  • She hung her new dress in the closet.
  • He has a lot of secrets hidden in his closet.
cupboard

Common in British English, referring to a piece of furniture with shelves for storing food, dishes, or household items, typically found in kitchens.

  • She grabbed a plate from the cupboard.
  • They stocked the cupboard with canned goods.
wardrobe

Primarily used to describe a large piece of furniture where clothes are hung or stored. Mainly used in British English.

  • She has a beautiful antique wardrobe in her bedroom.
  • He found his old jacket hidden at the back of the wardrobe.
cabinet

Used to describe a piece of furniture with doors and shelves, often used in kitchens, offices, or bathrooms to store various items.

  • She keeps her spices in a kitchen cabinet.
  • The important documents are stored in the filing cabinet.

Examples of usage

  • The closet in the bedroom is full of clothes.
  • She keeps her shoes in the closet by the front door.
Context #2 | Noun

sexuality

A state or condition of secrecy or carefully maintained privacy about a person's sexual orientation.

Synonyms

concealment, hiding, secrecy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
closet

Used to describe a small room or space in a house where things are stored.

  • She kept her winter clothes in the closet
  • He found an old photo album in the closet
hiding

Used to describe the act of putting oneself or something out of sight. Often used in informal conversations.

  • The children were hiding behind the bushes
  • She was hiding under the bed during the storm
concealment

Refers to the act of hiding something or preventing it from being known. Often used in formal or legal contexts.

  • The concealment of evidence led to the suspectโ€™s arrest
  • Concealment of important information can lead to serious consequences
secrecy

Refers to the condition of keeping something hidden or unknown. It often carries a negative connotation as it implies there might be something suspicious or dishonest.

  • The secrecy surrounding the project raised many questions
  • Their relationship was kept in secrecy for years

Examples of usage

  • She was in the closet about her true feelings for years.
  • Coming out of the closet was a liberating experience for him.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • Closets are often seen as symbols of privacy, both for personal belongings and personal secrets.
  • In LGBTQ+ culture, coming out of the 'closet' refers to revealing oneโ€™s sexual orientation or gender identity.
  • Different cultures have various customs regarding what to store in closets, from clothing to religious items.

Interior Design

  • Closets in modern homes can be designed for functionality, including built-in shelves, lighting, and organization systems.
  • Walk-in closets have become a luxurious component in home design, often featuring mirrors and custom storage solutions.
  • The organization of a closet can influence a person's daily routine, making it easier to find and coordinate outfits.

Literature

  • Closets in literature often serve as metaphors for hidden truths and secrets waiting to be uncovered.
  • Famous works, such as Edward Albeeโ€™s 'Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?' use closets to symbolize hidden conflict within domestic spaces.
  • Young adult fiction often portrays characters facing challenges and finding freedom from their hidden selves in relation to closets.

Psychology

  • The concept of a 'closet' can represent the psychological idea of compartmentalization, where individuals separate parts of their lives.
  • Psychologically, the act of organizing a closet can provide a sense of control and accomplishment.
  • Some studies suggest that decluttering a closet can lead to improved mental well-being by reducing anxiety.

Origin of 'closet'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'closet' comes from the Latin 'clausum,' meaning 'enclosed space.'
  • In the 14th century, closets were originally small rooms for privacy, often used for prayer or study.
  • By the 17th century, the meaning shifted to refer to a storage space for clothes and personal items.

The word 'closet' originated from the Old French word 'clos' meaning 'enclosed, confined'. It was first used in the 14th century to describe a private room or a small private chamber. Over time, the term evolved to refer to a small storage space or a compartment with a door. In the 20th century, 'closet' gained a new meaning related to secrecy about one's sexuality, particularly in the LGBTQ+ community.

See also: close, closed, closely, closeness, closer, closest, closing, closure, closures, disclose, enclose, enclosure.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,176 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.