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Frill Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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frill

[frษชl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

fashion

A frill is a strip of cloth or paper that is gathered into folds and attached to the edge of a garment, curtain, or tablecloth as decoration.

Synonyms

flounce, flourish, ruffle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
frill

Frill is often used to describe decorative edges or trim on fabric. It can also mean unnecessary extras or accessories in a non-literal sense.

  • Her dress had delicate frills along the sleeves.
  • The car is basic with no frills.
ruffle

Ruffle refers to a strip of fabric that has been gathered or pleated. It can also mean to disturb the smoothness of something or to agitate someone.

  • The blouse had ruffles down the front.
  • The wind ruffled his hair.
  • His comments ruffled several feathers.
flounce

Flounce usually refers to a wide, decorative strip of fabric gathered and sewn to a piece of clothing for added flair. It can also describe a dramatic, exaggerated movement.

  • The skirt had a flounce at the hem.
  • She flounced out of the room in a huff.
flourish

Flourish can mean a dramatic, confident gesture or a detailed, elaborate design or decoration. It is also used to describe thriving or doing something successfully.

  • He finished his speech with a flourish.
  • The room was decorated with flourishes of gold paint.
  • His business is flourishing in the new market.

Examples of usage

  • The dress had a delicate frill around the neckline.
  • She added frills to the curtains to give them a more elegant look.
Context #2 | Noun

behavior

A frill is an unnecessary or excessive detail or feature added to something.

Synonyms

embellishment, excess, ornament.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
frill

This word is often used to describe unnecessary decorations or features, especially in clothing or design. It suggests something that is added for show rather than function.

  • The dress had frills along the sleeves and hem.
  • We need a straightforward solution without any frills.
ornament

This word is used for objects that are added to something to make it more attractive. Often refers to seasonal decorations like Christmas ornaments or general decorative items.

  • The Christmas tree was covered in ornaments.
  • She placed a small ornament on the shelf.
embellishment

Used in contexts where there is an addition of decorative details or features to make something more attractive. It can refer to physical objects or rhetorical elements, such as adding extra details to a story.

  • Her wedding dress was simple, without much embellishment.
  • His tale of adventure was full of embellishments.
excess

Typically used to describe something that has gone beyond what is normal or necessary. This word often has a negative connotation, implying wastefulness or overindulgence.

  • There was an excess of decorations at the party.
  • They were criticized for their excess in spending.

Examples of usage

  • She found his pretentious frills annoying.
  • The speech was full of unnecessary frills that distracted from the main points.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Fashion

  • Frills are commonly used in many clothing styles, from formal dresses to casual shirts, adding texture and flair.
  • In the Victorian Era, frills were essential in womenโ€™s fashion, making garments more elaborate and opulent.
  • Modern designers often use frills to create a playful or romantic aesthetic, influencing trends in various cultures.

Art

  • Artists have depicted frills in paintings to highlight elegance and luxury, particularly in portraits of high society.
  • Frills can symbolize frivolity in literature and art, representing superficial beauty over substance.
  • The use of frills in decorative arts can be seen in various styles, like Baroque, which emphasized grandeur.

Nature

  • In nature, frilled edges can be found on some leaves, which can help with moisture retention and attract pollinators.
  • Certain animals also exhibit frills as part of their physical structure, like the frilled neck lizard whose frills play a role in display and defense.
  • Frilled flowers, such as certain types of tulips, captivate attention with their unique petal shapes.

Psychology

  • The presence of frills in design is related to aesthetic enjoyment, as humans are naturally attracted to detailed and beautiful things.
  • Research suggests that decorative elements like frills can enhance the perception of quality in products, influencing buying behavior.
  • Frills in presentation, whether in fashion or in food, can evoke positive emotions and increased satisfaction.

Origin of 'frill'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'frill' comes from the 16th-century term 'frille', meaning to ripple or to wrinkle.
  • Originally, frills were made from lace or ruffled fabric, enhancing the beauty of clothes.
  • In historical fashion, the use of frills indicated wealth and status, with elaborate designs reserved for the elite.

The word 'frill' originated in the early 16th century from the Middle English word 'frylle', meaning a curl or twist in lace. It was commonly used in the context of clothing and decoration. Over time, the term expanded to refer to any decorative edging or unnecessary embellishment added to various items. The concept of frills has evolved in fashion and design, reflecting changing trends and tastes.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,754, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.