Lather: meaning, definitions and examples

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lather

[ˈlæðər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

shaving

A frothy white mass of soap bubbles produced by mixing soap with water.

Synonyms

foam, froth, suds.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
lather	Commonly used for soap bubbles on skin. However, it appears it was repeated. Duplicate of the first 'lather' entry.
foam	Used broadly for describing bubbles forming on liquids, such as the head on a beer, insulation material, or even the bubbly cover on a coffee. The waves crashed against the shore, leaving a trail of foam. He ordered a cappuccino with a thick layer of foam.
suds	Primarily used when discussing soapy water, especially in context with laundry or dishwashing. The sink was filled with suds after she added the dishwashing detergent. The laundromat had machines that left lots of suds everywhere.
froth	Often used for the light, bubbly layer found on liquids like coffee or beer, but can sometimes imply something insubstantial or overly busy. She sipped the frothy top of her latte. His speech was all froth and no substance.

Examples of usage

The barber applied lather to the customer's face before shaving.
She worked the soap into a rich lather before washing her hands.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

washing

Cover with lather; apply lather to.

Synonyms

foam up, suds up.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
lather	Use this when talking about creating a frothy substance from soap or shampoo on the skin or hair. It is commonly used in personal grooming and hygiene contexts. He worked the shampoo into a rich lather Make sure to lather your hands for at least 20 seconds
foam up	This phrase is typically used when referring to the act of creating foam from a liquid, such as soap or detergent. It can be used in both personal grooming and cleaning contexts. The soap foamed up quickly when mixed with water Watch the water foam up when you add the detergent
suds up	Often used informally to describe the creation of suds or bubbles with soap, commonly in washing or cleaning scenarios. It may also be used metaphorically in certain contexts. I need to suds up the car before rinsing it off She loves to suds up her dog during bath time

Word

Description / Examples

lather

Use this when talking about creating a frothy substance from soap or shampoo on the skin or hair. It is commonly used in personal grooming and hygiene contexts.

He worked the shampoo into a rich lather
Make sure to lather your hands for at least 20 seconds

foam up

This phrase is typically used when referring to the act of creating foam from a liquid, such as soap or detergent. It can be used in both personal grooming and cleaning contexts.

The soap foamed up quickly when mixed with water
Watch the water foam up when you add the detergent

suds up

Often used informally to describe the creation of suds or bubbles with soap, commonly in washing or cleaning scenarios. It may also be used metaphorically in certain contexts.

I need to suds up the car before rinsing it off
She loves to suds up her dog during bath time

Examples of usage

She lathered her hair with shampoo before rinsing it out.
He lathered his body with soap in the shower.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'lather' traces back to the Old English term 'laeþer', meaning to foam or froth.
It is related to the German word 'Läuter', which also reflects the idea of bubbling or foaming.
In historical contexts, the concept of lather was central to personal hygiene practices, signifying cleanliness.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, creating a lather is an essential part of cleansing rituals, symbolizing purification.
The term 'lather' also appears in idioms and phrases, like 'lathering up' before a shave, emphasizing the importance of preparation.
In literature and film, creating a lather often symbolizes the beginning of transformation, such as a character washing away their past.

Science

Lather is a result of surfactants in soap that lower the surface tension of water, allowing it to form bubbles.
The bubbles produced in lather contain air, which helps lift dirt and oils from surfaces for better cleaning.
Different types of soap create varying amounts of lather due to the specific ingredients used, impacting their cleaning effectiveness.

Psychology

The act of lathering can be meditative, encouraging mindfulness through the ritual of washing and focusing on the present.
Certain scents associated with lather, such as lavender or citrus, can evoke emotional responses and affect mood.
Cleanliness has been shown to influence self-perception, with lathering often linked to feelings of freshness and renewal.

Pop Culture

Lathering is often depicted in movies and commercials as an ultimate relaxation activity, associated with self-care.
Songs like 'Lather' by Jefferson Airplane use the word poetically to convey deeper meanings related to self-awareness and societal issues.
Popular grooming advertisements emphasize luxurious lathers for shampoos and body washes, appealing to consumers' senses.

Translations

Translations of the word "lather" in other languages:

🇵🇹 espuma

🇮🇳 झाग

🇩🇪 Schaum

🇮🇩 busa

🇺🇦 піна

🇵🇱 piana

🇯🇵 泡

🇫🇷 mousse

🇪🇸 espuma

🇹🇷 köpük

🇰🇷 거품

🇸🇦 رغوة

🇨🇿 pěna

🇸🇰 pena

🇨🇳 泡沫

🇸🇮 pena

🇮🇸 froða

🇰🇿 көбік

🇬🇪 ქაფი

🇦🇿 köpük

🇲🇽 espuma

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,539, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

...
24536 demeaning
24537 harangue
24538 mayhem
24539 lather
24540 slur
24541 foliated
24542 quadrupled
...