Finery Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
finery
[หfaษชnษri ]
Definition
clothing, adornment
Finery refers to elaborate or showy clothing or decorative accessories that are worn on special occasions. It often signals wealth or status and includes items such as jewelry, elegant attire, and luxurious fabrics. The term can also encompass the overall aesthetic of someone's appearance when they dress up for formal or festive events. Historically, finery has been a way to express individuality and cultural heritage through elaborate designs.
Synonyms
elegance, luxury, ornamentation, raiment.
Examples of usage
- She wore her finest finery to the gala.
- The bride was adorned in exquisite finery.
- He flaunted his finery at the royal ball.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Historical Context
- During the Renaissance, finery was a display of social status, with elaborate fabrics and designs representing wealth and power.
- In the 18th century, courtly life in Europe was characterized by extravagant finery, where nobility wore intricate costumes adorned with lace and embroidery.
- Royal families often used finery not just for personal expression but as a political statement, showcasing their fashion to influence public perception.
Cultural Significance
- In many cultures, special occasions such as weddings and festivals prominently feature finery to signify joy and celebration.
- In traditional Indian culture, brides wear elaborate finery, including sarees and jewelry, as a symbol of auspiciousness and festivity.
- Fashion designers today continue to create collections that reflect finery, blending modern aesthetics with historical influences.
Literature and Arts
- In literature, finery often symbolizes the characters' wealth and status, influencing their social interactions and narratives.
- Classic artworks frequently depict figures adorned in finery, emphasizing the divide between classes and the allure of wealth.
- Shakespeare's plays often reference characters' finery to illustrate their social rank and influence, showcasing the obsession with appearance.
Fashion Evolution
- Fashion trends have shifted finery from strictly luxurious materials to also include minimalistic designs and sustainable practices.
- The 20th century saw a democratization of finery; with mass production, beautiful clothing became accessible to broader societal levels.
- At modern events like the Met Gala, finery is showcased as bold personal expression, often blending art with fashion in unexpected ways.
Origin of 'finery'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Middle English 'finery,' derived from 'fine,' which meant something elegant or of high quality.
- In the 14th century, 'finery' began to be used specifically for the elegant garments of the wealthy.
- Its roots go back to Old French 'fine,' which also relates to purity and brightness, aligning with the essence of beautiful items.
The term 'finery' derives from the Middle English word 'finerie,' which means 'refinement, elegance,' and is rooted in the noun 'fine' with its Latin origin from 'finis' meaning 'end, limit, or boundary.' The evolution of the word mirrors societal changes regarding adornment and status; as cultures developed more intricate forms of dress, the concept of finery came to embody not just the clothing itself, but also the social and cultural significance that attire holds. In literature and historical texts, finery has often been used to highlight characters' social standings or their aspirations, representing both personal and collective identity. Throughout the ages, the notion of finery has also evolved to include artisanal craftsmanship, emphasizing the painstaking effort and skill dedicated to creating garments and accessories that stand out.