Costume Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
costume
[หkษstjuหm ]
Definitions
Halloween
A set of clothes in a style typical of a particular country or historical period, especially one worn for a party or a special event.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| costume |
Used primarily when referring to special outfits for performances, themed events, or Halloween.
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| outfit |
Commonly used to describe a set of clothes worn together, especially for a specific occasion or purpose.
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| attire |
Formal or literary term for clothing, often used in the context of business or formal events.
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| dress |
Typically refers to a one-piece garment worn by women and girls; can also refer to the general manner of dressing.
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Examples of usage
- The children were dressed in spooky costumes for Halloween.
- She wore a traditional Japanese costume to the cultural festival.
Theatre
The clothes worn by actors for a particular role in a play or film.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| costume |
Use 'costume' when referring to clothes worn for a particular role, event, or performance, such as Halloween, theater, or cosplay.
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| wardrobe |
Use 'wardrobe' when talking about the collection of clothes someone owns, or the place where clothes are kept.
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| garb |
Use 'garb' to refer to specific types of clothing associated with certain professions, cultures, or historical periods. It can have a formal or archaic tone.
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| ensemble |
Use 'ensemble' to describe a coordinated outfit, typically used in fashion and styling contexts.
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Examples of usage
- She designed the costumes for the upcoming theater production.
- The elaborate costumes added to the authenticity of the historical drama.
Dress up
To dress someone in a particular set of clothes, especially a costume or special attire.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| costume |
Typically used for specific outfits meant for performances or themed occasions like Halloween or a school play. It implies a sort of temporary transformation.
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| dress up |
Informal term often used for wearing clothes that are nicer or more elaborate than usual, especially for an event or occasion. It can also refer to children playing and pretending with costumes.
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| disguise |
Used when referring to clothing or accessories worn to conceal one's identity or to assume a different one. Often has a secretive or deceptive connotation.
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| attire |
A more formal term for clothing, particularly suitable for discussing dress codes or special events. It suggests consideration of the appropriateness and style of clothing.
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Examples of usage
- The children were excited to be costumed as their favorite superheroes.
- She costumed herself as a character from a fairy tale for the costume party.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The term 'costume' originated from the French word 'costume' in the 18th century, meaning style of dress.
- In ancient Rome, actors wore different costumes to portray various roles in theater, influencing modern performance attire.
- The use of costumes dates back thousands of years, with examples found in Egyptian rituals and Greek plays.
Cultural Significance
- In many cultures, costumes play a vital role in festivals, such as the intricate masks of the Carnival in Venice.
- Japan's traditional kimono is not just clothing; it carries cultural history and is worn during ceremonies and significant events.
- Halloween costumes have evolved into a major commercial event in Western cultures, with people spending billions on outfits annually.
Pop Culture
- Movies and television shows often have iconic costumes that fans love to recreate, such as those from superheroes or fantasy films.
- Cosplay, where fans dress as characters from anime, video games, or movies, has grown into a worldwide phenomenon.
- A memorable costume from the past includes the pink dress worn by Marilyn Monroe in 'The Seven Year Itch', symbolizing glamour of its time.
Psychology
- Wearing costumes can boost confidence and encourage people to express different facets of their personality.
- Research shows that dressing up can significantly alter one's mood, making people feel more adventurous or playful.
- In role-playing games, costumes enhance immersion, as players connect more deeply with their characters and the game's storyline.
Literature
- In Shakespeare's plays, actors often wore costumes that indicated their social status and character traits, enhancing storytelling.
- Authors frequently describe charactersโ costumes to provide insights into their personalities and backgrounds.
- Charles Dickensโs characters are often noted for their distinct clothing styles, which reflect their social standing and moral attributes.
Origin of 'costume'
The word 'costume' originated from the Italian word 'costume' in the mid-18th century, which meant 'fashion' or 'custom'. It later evolved to refer to a particular style of clothing worn for a specific purpose, such as a party or theatrical performance. The concept of costumes has been prevalent in various cultures throughout history, reflecting societal norms, traditions, and artistic expressions.
Word Frequency Rank
Position #8,352 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.
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- 8349 filtration
- 8350 transitional
- 8351 logging
- 8352 costume
- 8353 inscribed
- 8354 epoch
- 8355 releasing
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