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Drape: meaning, definitions and examples

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drape

 

[dreɪp ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

window treatment

A long piece of cloth or similar material that is hung or drawn across a window or opening.

Synonyms

blind, curtain, shades.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
drape

Used to refer to large, often decorative fabric panels hung to cover windows or parts of a room. Typically heavy and luxurious, often part of elegant interior decor.

  • The elegant red drapes matched the vintage furniture perfectly.
  • They pulled the drapes closed to block out the sunlight.
curtain

General term for any fabric hung over a window or within a space to block light or provide privacy. More casual and versatile in use compared to drapes.

  • She chose blue curtains to match the rest of the bedroom decor.
  • The theater's heavy curtains parted as the show began.
blind

Describes window coverings made of slats that can be adjusted to control the amount of light entering a room. Common in offices and modern homes.

  • He lowered the blinds to reduce the glare on his computer screen.
  • Venetian blinds can be tilted to allow in just the right amount of light.

Examples of usage

  • The elegant drapes in the living room added a touch of sophistication to the decor.
  • She drew back the drapes to let in the morning sunlight.
Context #2 | Verb

cover loosely

To cover or hang with cloth or other fabric, especially in a casual or decorative way.

Synonyms

cover, decorate, hang.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
drape

Usually refers to the act of arranging fabric in a loose, flowing manner over something. Often used in fashion, interior design, or for theatrical purposes.

  • She draped the silk scarf over her shoulders.
  • The curtains were draped beautifully around the windows.
cover

General use to mean placing something over another object to protect, hide, or conceal it. Can be used in various contexts including books, furniture, or physical shielding.

  • Make sure you cover the pot with a lid to keep the soup warm.
  • He covered his face with a mask.
hang

Means to attach something from above so that it dangles downward. Commonly used with pictures, clothes, or ornaments.

  • Let's hang the picture on this wall.
  • She hung the clean clothes out to dry.
decorate

Refers to the act of adding ornaments or details to make something more attractive. Commonly used for homes, events, or crafts.

  • They decorated the room with balloons and streamers for the birthday party.
  • She loves to decorate cakes with intricate designs.

Examples of usage

  • She draped a shawl over her shoulders.
  • The vines draped themselves over the trellis in a beautiful display.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Old French word 'drap', meaning cloth.
  • In Latin, 'drappus' also means cloth or garment, highlighting the long history of fabric use.
  • Initially used to describe the action of covering or hanging fabric in the 16th century.

Fashion

  • Draping is crucial in fashion design, where designers manipulate fabric on mannequins to create stunning outfits.
  • Well-draped garments can enhance the silhouette of the wearer, making them appear more elegant.
  • Historic costumes often used intricate draping techniques to convey status and character.

Interior Design

  • Drapery can affect the light entering a room; heavier fabrics block light while lighter fabrics let it in.
  • Using drapes creatively can change the perception of a room's size; long drapes can make ceilings seem higher.
  • Textiles in draping often add texture and warmth, making spaces feel more inviting.

Art

  • Artists often study drapery to understand how light and shadow interact with fabric.
  • In classical sculptures and paintings, the way drapery is depicted can suggest movement and emotion.
  • Famous works, like those of Michelangelo, showcase mastery in rendering draped fabric realistically.

Cultural Significance

  • In various cultures, draping is not just practical; it's also symbolic, often indicating tradition and heritage.
  • Different draping styles can signify social status or community roles in ceremonies around the world.
  • In some cultures, the way a person drapes their clothing can reflect their personality or mood.

Translations

Translations of the word "drape" in other languages:

🇵🇹 drapeado

🇮🇳 ढकना

🇩🇪 Drapierung

🇮🇩 melipat

🇺🇦 драпірувати

🇵🇱 drapowanie

🇯🇵 ドレープ

🇫🇷 drapé

🇪🇸 drapeado

🇹🇷 drape

🇰🇷 주름

🇸🇦 دراپ

🇨🇿 drapérie

🇸🇰 drapéria

🇨🇳 褶皱

🇸🇮 drapiranje

🇮🇸 drapa

🇰🇿 драпировка

🇬🇪 დრაპირება

🇦🇿 drapirovka

🇲🇽 drapeado

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,646, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.