Wear Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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wear

[weษ™r ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

on body

To have something on your body as a piece of clothing, jewelry, or other decoration.

Synonyms

bear, have on, sport.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
wear

Repeated; do not use again in this list.

have on

Informal, conversational use, typically to describe what someone is currently wearing.

  • What do you have on right now? She had on a red sweater and jeans
sport

Casual or slightly boastful context, often used to convey pride in what one is wearing.

  • He sported a new hat for the occasion
  • She sported the latest fashion trends
bear

Formal or poetic context, often implying enduring or carrying something heavy.

  • He bore the burden with great courage
  • She bore the weight of her mistakes

Examples of usage

  • She was wearing a beautiful dress to the party.
  • He always wears a watch on his wrist.
Context #2 | Verb

damage

To damage, erode, or deteriorate over time by constant use or friction.

Synonyms

damage, deteriorate, erode.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
wear

Appropriate for describing the gradual change in appearance, quality, or condition of something due to regular use or exposure over time. Often used for clothing and objects.

  • The shoes began to wear after months of daily use.
  • Constant washing can wear out the fabric of your favorite shirt.
erode

Mostly used when describing the gradual destruction or wearing away of something, usually by natural forces like wind or water. Often applied in geological or environmental contexts.

  • Coastal buildings are at risk as the shoreline continues to erode.
  • Farming practices that prevent soil erosion are important for long-term agricultural health.
deteriorate

Ideal for describing something that is gradually worsening over time, typically in quality, value, or condition. Often used for health, structures, or conditions.

  • The conditions in the old building continue to deteriorate.
  • Without proper care, his health might deteriorate quickly.
damage

Best used when referring to something that has been harmed or broken, generally as a result of an event or action. It suggests a more immediate and noticeable harm.

  • The storm caused significant damage to the roof.
  • Careless handling can damage delicate items.

Examples of usage

  • The steps had been worn away by centuries of use.
  • The old coin was worn smooth from being handled so much.
Context #3 | Noun

clothing

Clothing, especially of a particular kind or for a particular use.

Synonyms

apparel, clothing, garments.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
wear

Use when talking about what someone has on their body. It can also refer to the action of putting on clothes.

  • She likes to wear comfortable shoes
  • I need to wear a coat because it's cold outside
clothing

A general term for anything worn on the body. It's used in a wide range of situations, both formal and informal.

  • She donated all her old clothing to charity
  • Clothing is a basic human need
apparel

Typically used in a more formal or commercial context, often referring to clothing sold in stores or specific types like sports apparel.

  • The store specializes in women's apparel
  • He works in the apparel industry
garments

A more formal or specific term, often used in fashion or design contexts. It refers to individual pieces of clothing.

  • The designer created a beautiful garment for the runway show
  • Garments should be properly maintained

Examples of usage

  • She has a nice collection of evening wear.
  • The swimmer wore a sleek racing wear for the competition.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, what you wear can symbolize your social status, beliefs, or profession.
  • Fashion trends often change with seasons or cultural movements, influencing what people wear.
  • Traditional garments can reflect a region's history and values, such as the kimono in Japan or the sari in India.

Psychology

  • Research shows that what people wear can affect their mood and confidence levels.
  • Dressing well can lead to a boost in self-esteem and may even enhance performance in tasks.
  • The concept of 'enclothed cognition' suggests that clothing affects our psychological processes and behaviors.

Art and Literature

  • In literature, clothing is often used to convey character traits or social standing, like the tattered clothes of a poor character or the elegant attire of nobility.
  • Art from various periods frequently highlights clothing styles, showcasing cultural values and societal changes.
  • Fashion has inspired numerous artistic movements, reflecting the evolution of society throughout history.

Science

  • Some studies suggest that wearing certain colors can affect how warm or cool you feel due to color absorption.
  • Textiles produced today often incorporate advanced technologies like moisture-wicking and temperature control.
  • The study of fashion and fabric can include biology, such as the influence of sustainable materials on future clothing choices.

Origin of 'wear'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'wear' comes from the Old English 'werian,' meaning to carry or to use.
  • It has connections to the Proto-Germanic *werwลnฤ…, which means to adhere or stick, highlighting how clothes stay on our bodies.
  • The term has evolved over centuries, expanding from clothing to include the use of other items, like emotions or behaviors.

The word 'wear' originated from the Old English word 'werian', meaning 'to carry, bear, or bring'. Over time, its meaning evolved to include the concept of having something on the body as clothing. The verb form of 'wear' has been in use since the 12th century.


See also: outerwear, unwear, weariness, wearisome, worn.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,569, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.