Finery: meaning, definitions and examples

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finery

 

[ ˈfaɪnəri ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

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

Translations of the word "finery" in other languages:

🇵🇹 luxo

🇮🇳 शौक़त

🇩🇪 Pracht

🇮🇩 kemewahan

🇺🇦 пишнота

🇵🇱 wytworność

🇯🇵 華やかさ

🇫🇷 élégance

🇪🇸 elegancia

🇹🇷 şatafat

🇰🇷 화려함

🇸🇦 فخامة

🇨🇿 přepych

🇸🇰 úchvatnosť

🇨🇳 华丽

🇸🇮 razkošje

🇮🇸 glæsileiki

🇰🇿 зәулімдік

🇬🇪 მხიარულება

🇦🇿 zifirə

🇲🇽 lujo

Word origin

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.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,822, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.