Clothes Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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clothes

[klษ™สŠรฐz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

wear

Items worn to cover the body.

Synonyms

apparel, attire, garments.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
clothes

Used in everyday situations to refer to items worn on the body such as shirts, pants, and dresses.

  • I need to wash my clothes today.
  • She bought some new clothes for the summer.
apparel

More formal than 'clothes' and often used in commercial or business contexts, such as in retail or fashion. Often found in advertisements.

  • The store offers a wide range of men's and women's apparel.
  • Winter apparel is now on sale.
garments

A more technical or specific term, often used in the context of manufacturing, sewing, or fashion design.

  • The factory produces high-quality garments.
  • Designers are working on new garments for the upcoming fashion show.
attire

Refers to the type of clothes a person is wearing, often in the context of formal or specific types of events.

  • Formal attire is required for the wedding.
  • His professional attire made a good impression during the interview.

Examples of usage

  • She bought some new clothes for the party.
  • He always wears stylish clothes to work.
Context #2 | Noun

fashion

Garments collectively; clothing.

Synonyms

ensemble, outfit, wardrobe.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
clothes

General term for items people wear, suitable for discussing attire in a broad, everyday sense.

  • I need to buy new clothes for the winter
  • She sorted through her old clothes to donate to charity
wardrobe

Refers to the collection of clothes someone owns, or a piece of furniture used for storing clothes.

  • She has a versatile wardrobe for different seasons
  • My wardrobe is full, and I have no space for new clothes
outfit

Refers to a set of clothes chosen to be worn together. Typically used in casual conversation.

  • She picked out a cute outfit for the date
  • His outfit was perfect for the occasion
ensemble

Refers to a set of clothes that are designed to be worn together, usually used in a fashion context.

  • She wore a charming ensemble to the party
  • His ensemble was carefully coordinated and stylish

Examples of usage

  • The fashion show featured the latest clothes from top designers.
  • She works in the clothes industry.
Context #3 | Verb

cover

To put clothes on oneself or someone else.

Synonyms

attire, dress, garb.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
clothes

General term for items worn by people, suitable for everyday conversation.

  • I need to buy new clothes for the summer
  • She folded her clothes neatly before putting them away
dress

Refers to the style or manner of wearing clothes and also specifically to a type of garment worn by women.

  • Her dress is elegant and fashionable
  • They dressed casually for the party
attire

Formal context or when specifying the type of clothing worn for a particular occasion.

  • The invitation specified formal attire
  • His work attire is very professional
garb

Often used to describe distinctive clothing, especially of a particular profession or group. Can have an old-fashioned or literary feel.

  • The monks were in their traditional garb
  • He arrived at the party in medieval garb

Examples of usage

  • She clothes her children warmly in winter.
  • He clothed himself in a suit for the interview.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The first garments were likely made from animal skins and plant materials, dating back to prehistoric times.
  • Around 5000 BC, woven fabrics began to appear in ancient China, demonstrating early human ingenuity in textile creation.
  • Ancient Egyptians favored linen for its breathability in the hot climate, often using it for both everyday wear and funerary garments.

Cultural Significance

  • Traditional clothing varies widely around the world, showcasing cultural identity, rituals, and social status.
  • In many cultures, clothing is used to signify professions or roles, such as uniforms for police officers, doctors, or chefs.
  • Festive outfits often reflect historical events or cultural narratives, such as the colorful garments worn during Diwali or Halloween.

Fashion Trends

  • The fashion industry regularly cycles through trends, leading to different styles becoming popular in different decades.
  • The little black dress, popularized by Coco Chanel in the 1920s, remains a staple in womenโ€™s fashion for its versatility.
  • Streetwear, a blend of casual and high fashion, emerged in the late 20th century as a representation of urban youth culture.

Science and Technology

  • Advancements in textile technology have led to fabrics that can wick moisture, resist stains, and even provide insulation.
  • Sustainable clothing initiatives are growing, focusing on eco-friendly materials like organic cotton and recycled polyester.
  • Smart clothing is being developed that integrates technology for health monitoring, showing how fashion and science can converge.

Psychology

  • Wearing certain types of clothing can influence mood and self-confidence, known as 'enclothed cognition' in psychology.
  • Clothes can serve as a form of non-verbal communication, reflecting oneโ€™s personality or social affiliations.
  • The concept of 'dressing for success' highlights how attire may impact perception in professional and social situations.

Origin of 'clothes'

The word 'clothes' originated from the Old English word 'clฤรพas', which meant 'cloths' or 'garments'. The concept of clothing has evolved throughout history, reflecting social, cultural, and technological changes. From simple animal skins to intricate modern designs, clothes have played a significant role in human society, not just as a form of protection but also as a means of expression and identity.


See also: cloth, clothe, clothing, cloths.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,579, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.