Vest: meaning, definitions and examples

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vest

 

[vest ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

clothing

A sleeveless garment worn over a shirt and often under a suit jacket. Vests can be formal or casual and are typically made of fabric such as wool, cotton, or polyester.

Synonyms

gilet, jerkin, waistcoat.

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Word Description / Examples
vest

Commonly used in American English to describe an undergarment worn underneath a shirt or as part of a three-piece suit. It can also refer to casual sleeveless tops.

  • He wore a white vest under his shirt.
  • She paired her jeans with a denim vest.
waistcoat

Used in British English to describe a sleeveless garment worn over a dress shirt and under a jacket as part of formal wear, such as a three-piece suit.

  • He looked very dapper in his suit and waistcoat.
  • The groom's waistcoat matched his bride's dress perfectly.
gilet

Refers to a sleeveless jacket often worn for warmth or fashion. It is commonly used in British English.

  • She layered her outfit with a stylish gilet.
  • A padded gilet is great for outdoor activities.
jerkin

An historical term for a sleeveless jacket, often made of leather, typically worn in the past. Nowadays, it's rarely used and mostly appears in historical contexts or literature.

  • The medieval knight wore a leather jerkin over his tunic.
  • Actors in the play wore jerkins to represent the time period.

Examples of usage

  • He wore a black vest over his white shirt.
  • The waiter's uniform included a red vest.
  • She prefers to wear a vest when going hiking.
Context #2 | Noun

safety

A protective garment worn over clothing to protect against bullets or other projectiles. Vests are commonly used by military personnel, police officers, and security guards.

Synonyms

body armor, bulletproof vest, flak jacket.

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Word Description / Examples
vest

A sleeveless garment worn over a shirt, common in both formal and casual settings.

  • He wore a vest over his dress shirt to the wedding.
  • She added a denim vest to complete her outfit.
bulletproof vest

A type of body armor specifically designed to protect against bullets, commonly used by law enforcement and military personnel.

  • The police officer's bulletproof vest saved his life during the shootout.
  • She put on her bulletproof vest before heading out on patrol.
body armor

Protective clothing designed to absorb or deflect physical attacks, typically used by military, police, or security personnel.

  • The security guard always wears body armor while on duty.
  • The soldier donned his body armor before the mission.
flak jacket

A protective vest originally designed to protect against shrapnel and explosive fragments, commonly used in military combat zones.

  • The correspondent wore a flak jacket while reporting from the war zone.
  • The soldiers were issued flak jackets before the operation.

Examples of usage

  • The police officer wore a bulletproof vest.
  • Soldiers are required to wear vests in combat zones.
Context #3 | Verb

legal

To grant or endow someone with a legal right or power. It can also refer to the action of conferring an official authority or privilege.

Synonyms

confer, endow, grant.

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Word Description / Examples
vest

Use 'vest' when transferring or bestowing power, rights, or property, often legally or formally.

  • The committee decided to vest the authority in the chairman.
  • His will vests the property in his niece.
grant

Use 'grant' when agreeing to give or allowing someone to have something, often formally and with authority.

  • The judge will grant the motion for a new trial.
  • They decided to grant the request for a research fund.
endow

Use 'endow' when providing with a quality, ability, or asset, often in a perpetual or lasting way.

  • The philanthropist decided to endow the new hospital with a generous donation.
  • She was endowed with exceptional musical talent.
confer

Use 'confer' when giving a title, degree, honor, or benefit officially or ceremonially.

  • The university will confer an honorary degree upon the renowned scientist.
  • They will confer the award to the best actor.

Examples of usage

  • The judge will vest the ownership of the property in the new owner.
  • The board of directors has the authority to vest certain powers in the CEO.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'vest' comes from the Latin word 'vestis', which means clothing or garment.
  • It made its way into English through the French word 'veste'.
  • The term has existed in English since the 16th century, referring originally to a garment worn by men.

Fashion History

  • Vests were once part of traditional men's formal wear, commonly seen in the 19th century.
  • They have evolved from being part of a three-piece suit to a standalone piece that can be worn casually.
  • Women started wearing vests in the early 20th century as fashion trends began to favor more androgynous styles.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, a vest can symbolize professionalism, often worn by those in business environments.
  • Certain vests, like the waistcoat, are associated with formal occasions and are a staple in wedding attire.
  • In some regions, vests are worn for cultural or ceremonial purposes, reflecting local traditions.

Science and Technology

  • Modern vests may include technology like built-in heating elements, keeping the wearer warm in cold weather.
  • There are vests designed for safety, like life vests for swimming or reflective vests for road workers, emphasizing functionality.
  • Smart vests with sensors are being developed for medical applications, monitoring health signs in real-time.

Pop Culture

  • Vests have been popularized in film and TV, often associated with characters who are stylish or sophisticated.
  • In the realm of music, certain artists are known for their signature vests, making them iconic fashion statements.
  • Video games often feature characters wearing vests as part of their superhero or action-hero aesthetics.

Translations

Translations of the word "vest" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น colete

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค•เคฎเฅ€เคœ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Weste

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ rompi

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะถะธะปะตั‚

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ kamizelka

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒ™ใ‚นใƒˆ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท gilet

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ chaleco

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท yelek

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์กฐ๋ผ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุณุชุฑุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ vesta

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ vesta

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่ƒŒๅฟƒ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ telovnik

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ vesti

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะถะตะนะดะต

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒŸแƒ˜แƒšแƒ”แƒขแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ jilet

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ chaleco

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,039, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.