Dress: meaning, definitions and examples

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dress

[dres ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

clothing item

A dress is a one-piece garment for a woman or girl that covers the body and extends down over the legs.

Synonyms

frock, gown, robe.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
dress	A general term for a one-piece garment for a woman or girl that covers the body and extends down over the legs. Suitable for casual, formal, and professional settings. She wore a beautiful red dress to the party This dress is perfect for the office
gown	A formal dress, usually long and worn for special occasions such as balls, weddings, or formal events. She looked stunning in her evening gown at the gala The bride chose a white gown for her wedding
frock	An older or more regional term for a dress, often used to describe a woman's or girl's dress in a more informal or historical context. She wore a simple frock while working in the garden The little girl had a pretty frock with flowers on it
robe	A loose-fitting outer garment, usually for men or women, used for lounging around the house, after a bath, or in ceremonial settings. After a shower, he put on his cozy robe The judge wore a black robe during the trial

Examples of usage

She wore a beautiful red dress to the party.
The bride looked stunning in her white wedding dress.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

put on clothes

To dress means to put clothes on oneself or someone else.

Synonyms

attire, clothe, garb.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
dress	Used twice in different contexts. Here, it focuses on the general act of putting on clothing, not specific to gender or type. Parents dress their children every morning \| It's important to dress appropriately for the weather
clothe	Typically refers to the act of putting clothes on someone, often used in a broader or more classic sense. It can be literal or metaphorical, implying providing clothing or covering. We need to clothe the homeless during the winter \| She clothe herself in layers to stay warm
attire	Used in more formal or professional contexts to describe clothing, especially when discussing appropriate or fashionable clothing for events or work. The invitation specifies formal attire \| His business attire was impeccable
garb	Specifically refers to distinct or special clothing, often of a particular profession, culture, or historical period. It can sound somewhat archaic or formal. He wore traditional Scottish garb at the festival \| Monks are usually seen in simple garb

Examples of usage

She dressed quickly and ran out the door.
He carefully dressed the baby in warm clothes.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The word 'dress' comes from the Old French 'drecier', which means to arrange or to put in order, highlighting its purpose in transforming appearance.
In ancient Egypt, dresses were made from linen and were commonly worn by both men and women, showcasing cultural norms around fashion.
During the Middle Ages, the length and color of a dress often indicated social status, with more intricate designs reserved for nobility.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, dresses are associated with femininity and are often chosen for celebrations such as weddings and anniversaries.
Traditional dresses like the kimono in Japan or the saree in India hold cultural significance and vary greatly depending on regional customs.
Fashion shows often highlight the latest trends in dresses, creating a platform for designers to showcase their artistry.

Pop Culture

The 'little black dress' became a symbol of elegance and timeless style, popularized by designers like Coco Chanel in the 1920s.
Dresses in iconic movies, such as Marilyn Monroe's white dress in 'The Seven Year Itch', have become cultural touchstones that symbolize glamour.
Musicians and public figures frequently use dresses to make statements, with performances often featuring eye-catching and innovative designs.

Science

Research indicates that clothing impacts perception; for instance, wearing a stylish dress can influence how people perceive your confidence.
The fabric of dresses can affect thermal comfort, with materials like cotton being breathable, while synthetic fibers may trap heat.
Psychological studies suggest that wearing formal attire, including dresses, can enhance cognitive function, enabling individuals to perform better in tasks.

Fashion Evolution

Dresses have evolved dramatically over centuries, from the flowing gowns of the 18th century to the more structured and daring styles of today.
The feminist movement in the 20th century challenged traditional notions of gender and clothing, leading to dresses being reimagined as symbols of empowerment.
Sustainable fashion is shaping the future of dress design, with designers focusing on eco-friendly materials and ethical production practices.

Translations

Translations of the word "dress" in other languages:

🇵🇹 vestido

🇮🇳 पोशाक

🇩🇪 Kleid

🇮🇩 gaun

🇺🇦 сукня

🇵🇱 sukienka

🇯🇵 ドレス

🇫🇷 robe

🇪🇸 vestido

🇹🇷 elbise

🇰🇷 드레스

🇸🇦 فستان

🇨🇿 šaty

🇸🇰 šaty

🇨🇳 连衣裙

🇸🇮 obleka

🇮🇸 kjóll

🇰🇿 көйлек

🇬🇪 კაბა

🇦🇿 don

🇲🇽 vestido

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,669, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.

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2666 watched
2667 link
2668 centers
2669 dress
2670 wet
2671 surfaces
2672 qualities
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