Glasses Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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glasses
[หษกlรฆsษชz ]
Definitions
to wear on face
Glasses are a pair of lenses set into a frame that you wear in front of your eyes to help you see better. They are commonly used to correct vision problems such as nearsightedness or farsightedness.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| glasses |
Commonly used in everyday conversation to refer to corrective lenses worn on the face.
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| spectacles |
A more old-fashioned or formal term for glasses, often used in literature or historical contexts. Can sometimes have a humorous or quaint connotation.
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| eyeglasses |
More formal or technical term for glasses, often used in professional or medical contexts.
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Examples of usage
- She wears glasses to read.
- He needs to wear glasses while driving.
drinking container
Glasses are also containers used for drinking liquids such as water or juice. They come in various shapes and sizes, typically made of glass or plastic.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| glasses |
Use when referring to drinkware made from glass, commonly for beverages like water, juice, or wine. It can also refer to spectacles used for vision correction.
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| cup |
This is suitable for small containers used for both hot and cold beverages, often made of plastic, ceramic, or paper. This term is also used in various contexts like sports to represent a trophy or prize.
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| mug |
Best used for large, sturdy, often ceramic containers typically used for hot drinks like coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. Informally, it can also refer to someone's face, often in a negative context.
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Examples of usage
- She poured water into a glass.
- He prefers drinking juice from a glass.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The first wearable glasses appeared in Italy around the late 13th century, often made from simple glass lenses.
- In the 18th century, Benjamin Franklin invented bifocals, allowing people to see clearly at different distances.
- Glasses were once considered a sign of wisdom or age, often associated with learned individuals like philosophers and scholars.
Pop Culture
- In movies, characters wearing glasses are often portrayed as intelligent or quirky, influencing the way we view 'nerdy' stereotypes.
- Iconic characters like Harry Potter and Clark Kent are known for their distinctive glasses, becoming lasting symbols of their identities.
- The trend of wearing glasses as fashion accessories has turned them into stylish items that enhance personal expression.
Science
- Glasses work by bending light rays, which helps focus images clearly on the retina, allowing for improved vision.
- Digital eye strain has led to the rise of blue light glasses, which filter harmful light from screens to protect our eyes.
- Research shows that people can adapt to wearing glasses quickly, often within a few days, as their vision adjusts.
Literature
- In literature, glasses often symbolize perception โ characters with them may see deeper truths than those without.
- Writers like J.D. Salinger used glasses as character traits to highlight intelligence or the struggle against societal norms.
- Glasses appear frequently in childrenโs books, where they often signify a kind-hearted, wise character, teaching young readers lessons.
Origin of 'glasses'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'glasses' comes from the Latin word 'vitrum,' which means 'glass.'
- Ancient Romans used glass objects to improve their vision, laying early foundations for modern eyewear.
- The term 'spectacles' was common in the 15th century, combining 'spectare' (to look) and 'calere' (to be warm) โ as light warms our view!
The word 'glasses' originated from the Middle English word 'glasse', which was derived from the Old English word 'glรฆs', meaning a glass vessel. Over time, the term evolved to refer to lenses set into a frame for vision correction, as well as containers for liquids. The use of glasses for vision correction became widespread in the 13th century, and the design and materials have evolved significantly since then.
See also: eyeglasses, glass, glasshouse, glasspaper, glassware, glassy.