Vitrine Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Art and Design

• Vitrines are commonly used in museums to protect and display fragile artifacts.
• In contemporary art, artists sometimes use vitrines as part of their installations to create a dialogue about value and display.
• Many high-end retail stores use vitrines to enhance the aesthetic experience of shopping.

Cultural Significance

• In various cultures, vitrines symbolize aspiration and the display of wealth or craftsmanship.
• Artisans historically used them to showcase their best works to attract customers.
• In modern society, they often reflect cultural trends and values, emphasizing what is considered valuable or beautiful.

History of Display Cases

• Vitrines have roots in the Renaissance period, where intricate glass cabinets became fashionable among the elite.
• The use of glass for protection dates back to ancient civilizations that used transparent materials for securing valuable items.
• Throughout the centuries, the design of vitrines has evolved, incorporating different materials and styles to match changing tastes.

Psychology of Display

• Research shows that people are more likely to admire items displayed in a vitrine because of the sense of exclusivity they create.
• The way items are displayed can influence how we perceive their value, making vitrines a powerful tool in marketing and display.
• Psychologically, seeing beautiful items in a vitrine can evoke feelings of desire and appreciation.

Main points about word origin

• The word 'vitrine' comes from the French word 'vitrine', meaning 'glass case'.
• Initially, it referred to a showcase for displaying fashionable wares in shops.
• The term became popular in the English language around the late 19th century.

The word 'vitrine' originates from the French term of the same spelling, which translates to 'display case' in English. It comes from the Latin word 'vitrum', meaning 'glass'. The use of vitrines in various contexts dates back to at least the 18th century when they became popular for displaying precious items in museums and art galleries. Initially designed to protect valuable objects from theft and damage, vitrines have evolved in style and function over the years, becoming an integral part of exhibition design. The influence of French aesthetics on design contributed to the wider acceptance of the term in English and many other languages, resulting in a standardized understanding of the term as a glass enclosure for exhibiting items.

At position #41,127, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.

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• 41124 blabbering
• 41125 sketchiest
• 41126 frogman
• 41127 vitrine
• 41128 craftiest
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• 41130 beatifically
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