Closet: meaning, definitions and examples

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closet

[ˈklɒzɪt ]

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?

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?

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 suspect’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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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.

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 one’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 Albee’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.

Translations

Translations of the word "closet" in other languages:

🇵🇹 armário

🇮🇳 अलमारी

🇩🇪 Schrank

🇮🇩 lemari

🇺🇦 шафа

🇵🇱 szafa

🇯🇵 クローゼット

🇫🇷 placard

🇪🇸 armario

🇹🇷 dolap

🇰🇷 옷장

🇸🇦 خزانة

🇨🇿 skříň

🇸🇰 skriňa

🇨🇳 衣柜

🇸🇮 omara

🇮🇸 skápur

🇰🇿 шкаф

🇬🇪 კარადა

🇦🇿 dolab

🇲🇽 armario

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.

...
8173 recommending
8174 longing
8175 absorbing
8176 closet
8177 smoothly
8178 profoundly
8179 presentations
...