Dressed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

👗

Add to dictionary

dressed

[drest ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

clothing

Wearing clothes, typically of a specified kind.

Synonyms

attired, clad, clothed, garbed.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
dressed	This word is commonly used in everyday language to describe someone who is wearing clothes. It's appropriate for most casual and formal situations. She was dressed in a beautiful evening gown. He quickly got dressed for work.
clothed	Use this word in a neutral or descriptive context, often focusing on the mere fact of wearing clothes rather than the type of clothes. It can also be used in a more general or universal sense. The homeless were clothed by the charity. He was clothed in a simple outfit.
attired	This is a more formal way to say 'dressed' and is often used in written or elevated language. It's suitable for formal events or descriptions. The guests were attired in their finest clothing for the gala. He was attired in a tuxedo.
garbed	This term is fairly formal and less commonly used in everyday speech. It often implies a distinctive or specific type of clothing, sometimes traditional or ceremonial. She was garbed in traditional Scottish attire. The actor was garbed as a medieval knight.
clad	This word is somewhat old-fashioned and formal. It is often used in literary contexts or to give a certain dramatic flair to the description of what someone is wearing. She was clad in a shimmering silver dress. The warriors were clad in armor.

Examples of usage

He was dressed in a suit and tie for the job interview.
The children were dressed in their Halloween costumes.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

put clothes on

Put on one's clothes.

Synonyms

attire, clothe, dress up, garb.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
dressed	This is a general term for someone wearing clothes and can be used in everyday situations. She is always dressed neatly for work. He got dressed quickly after his shower.
clothe	This verb means to put clothes on someone or oneself and is often used in a more general or specific need-based context. She helped clothe the children at the orphanage. It's important to clothe yourself warmly in winter.
attire	This word refers specifically to the clothes that someone is wearing, often used in formal or professional settings. Formal attire is required for the gala. Her business attire was very professional.
garb	This word is used to describe specific or distinctive types of clothing, sometimes in a formal or historical context. The actor wore traditional Viking garb for the role. Priests are often seen in religious garb.
dress up	This phrase means to wear something more formal or special than usual, often for an event or occasion. They decided to dress up for the wedding. We love to dress up for Halloween.

Examples of usage

She dressed quickly and left the house.
He dressed the baby in a warm sweater.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

Throughout history, clothing has been a symbol of social status and cultural identity.
In many cultures, dressing formally for occasions signifies respect and importance.
Fashion trends often dictate how people choose to get dressed, reflecting societal values and aspirations.

Psychology

Research suggests that how we dress can impact our mood and confidence levels, a phenomenon known as 'enclothed cognition'.
Wearing a suit can lead people to feel more powerful and competent, even if they don't hold a high position.
Colors and styles in clothing can influence perceptions; for example, wearing bright colors may signal friendliness.

Historical Fashion

In the Victorian era, getting dressed was a long process, often taking an hour or more due to multiple layers of clothing.
The invention of the sewing machine in the 19th century revolutionized how quickly clothing could be made and worn.
1920s flapper dresses represented a shift to more modern, daring styles, symbolizing women's liberation.

Pop Culture

The phrase 'dressed to impress' often appears in songs and movies, emphasizing the importance of dressing well for social situations.
Television shows often depict characters changing outfits to reflect their personality and growth over time.
In the digital age, online shopping has changed how people dress, with influencers setting trends at a rapid pace.

Origin of 'dressed'

Main points about word origin

The word 'dressed' comes from the Old French 'drecier', meaning 'to put straight or to arrange'.
In the context of clothing, 'dressed' has been used since the 14th century to indicate wearing attire.
Originally, the term was more about preparing food; over time, it shifted to include clothing.

The word 'dressed' originated from the Middle English word 'dresse', which meant 'to put on clothes'. Over time, the spelling and meaning of the word evolved to its current usage in the English language.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,480, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.

...
3477 voted
3478 computed
3479 guidelines
3480 dressed
3481 void
3482 routine
3483 desk
...