Meaning of Word
“Apparel” refers to clothing, especially the type and style of garments worn by individuals. It can also refer to the entire range of clothing items available for purchase or worn for specific purposes.
Definitions and Meaning in English
- Apparel (noun): Clothing, garments, or attire, especially those worn by people.
- Apparel (noun): The items or category of clothing sold by stores, or a collection of clothes for a particular purpose or style.
- Example: “The store sells luxury apparel for men and women.”
- Example: “She wore a stylish apparel to the party.”
History and Origin
The word “apparel” comes from the Old French apparail, meaning “equipment, outfit,” which is derived from the Latin apparare, meaning “to prepare or provide.” It has been used in English since the 14th century to refer to clothes or clothing, especially items that are decorative or finely made. Over time, it became associated with the broader concept of fashion and the entire clothing industry.
Detailed Explanation
“Apparel” is a formal term for clothing, often used in a context that suggests a specific type of clothing or fashion. It can encompass everything from everyday clothes to more specialized attire, such as formal wear, sportswear, or uniforms. In modern usage, “apparel” is commonly found in the names of clothing brands or stores, and is used to describe the business or industry that deals with the creation, sale, and distribution of clothing items.
Unlike the more common word “clothing,” “apparel” can also imply a sense of style, formality, or fashion. For example, in the fashion industry, “apparel” might refer to high-end or designer clothing, while in retail, it can encompass a wide range of garments sold in a store.
Example Sentences
- The boutique offers trendy apparel for young professionals.
- She bought new apparel for her trip to Paris.
- The apparel industry is constantly evolving with new trends and designs.
- The store specializes in outdoor apparel for hiking and camping.
- He works in the apparel section of the department store.
- Apparel sales have been booming during the holiday season.
- I need to buy some new apparel for my workout routine.
- The apparel company just launched a new line of eco-friendly clothes.
- The fashion show displayed the latest high-end apparel designs.
Synonyms with Short Explanation
- Clothing: General term for garments worn by people.
- Attire: Clothing, especially formal or stylish garments worn for a particular occasion.
- Apparel: Formal term for clothing, often used in retail or fashion contexts.
- Outfit: A set of clothes worn together, typically for a particular occasion or purpose.
- Garments: Pieces of clothing, usually referring to individual items such as shirts, pants, or dresses.
Related Words with Short Explanation
- Fashion: The popular style or trend of clothing at a particular time.
- Wardrobe: A person’s collection of clothing or the space used to store it.
- Textiles: Materials or fabrics used to make clothing and other woven items.
- Design: The planning or creation of clothing, especially in the fashion industry.
- Retail: The business of selling goods, including apparel, directly to consumers.
More Matches with Short Explanation
- Clothes: Another general term for garments worn by individuals, similar to apparel.
- Uniforms: Standardized clothing worn by members of an organization or group, often in professional or institutional settings.
- Lingerie: Underwear, especially women’s, often considered as part of fashionable apparel.
- Accessories: Items such as jewelry, hats, and scarves, which complement clothing.
- Footwear: Shoes, boots, and other types of clothing worn on the feet, sometimes categorized alongside apparel.
Antonyms
- Bare: Lacking clothing or covering, the opposite of being dressed in apparel.
- Nudity: The state of being without clothing, the opposite of wearing apparel.
- Exposure: The state of being uncovered, especially in a way that contrasts with the protective or decorative function of apparel.
- Unclothed: Lacking apparel, without clothes.
- Disheveled: In a state of being messy or untidy, often implying a lack of proper apparel or orderliness in dress.
