dress
dress
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "dress" is /drɛs/.
/drɛs/
Word Form Variations
Singular Noun: dress
Plural Noun: dresses
Verb (Base Form): dress
Verb (Third Person Singular Present): dresses
Verb (Present Participle/Gerund): dressing
Verb (Past Simple/Past Participle): dressed
Adjective: dressed (often used as a past participle acting as an adjective)
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Definition 1: A one-piece garment, typically worn by women and girls, that covers the body and extends down over the legs, varying in length and style.
Synonyms: frock, gown, attire
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms for a specific garment type; however, general clothing terms like "trousers" or "shirt" would represent other types of clothing.)
Definition 2: Formal or ceremonial attire worn for a particular occasion.
Synonyms: formalwear, eveningwear, costume
Antonyms: casualwear, everyday clothes
Verb
Definition 1: To put on clothes, especially one's own.
Synonyms: clothe, attire, garb
Antonyms: undress, disrobe, strip
Definition 2: To apply a covering or bandage to a wound.
Synonyms: bandage, tend, treat
Antonyms: neglect, expose (in the context of a wound)
Definition 3: To prepare food, such as a salad or poultry, by adding seasonings, sauce, or other ingredients.
Synonyms: prepare, season, garnish
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms; "undress" would not apply here.)
Definition 4: To arrange or adorn something in a particular way, often for display or presentation.
Synonyms: adorn, decorate, arrange, deck
Antonyms: disarrange, strip, unadorn
Adjective
Definition 1: Prepared or treated in a particular way; often referring to food or materials. (Often derived from the past participle of the verb "to dress.")
Synonyms: prepared, seasoned, decorated, tailored
Antonyms: raw, undressed (for food), unfinished, unadorned
Examples of Use
Books:
"She wore a simple blue dress to the summer garden party, a stark contrast to the elaborate gowns of the other guests." (From The Gilded Age, by Edith Wharton, 1900)
"He tried to dress his wound with a torn piece of his shirt, but the blood continued to seep through." (From All Quiet on the Western Front, by Erich Maria Remarque, 1929)
Newspapers:
"The designer's latest collection features sustainable fabrics for everyday dress." (As reported in The New York Times)
"Police were called to a downtown restaurant after a patron, not properly dressed for the establishment's code, caused a disturbance." (The Guardian)
Online Publications:
"How to dress for success in your next job interview: tips for making a lasting impression." (From an article on Forbes.com)
"This season's must-have floral dress trends are blooming everywhere." (From Vogue.com)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: In the movie Pretty Woman, Julia Roberts' character undergoes a transformation, famously purchasing a stunning red dress for a polo match. (1990)
Television Series: In an episode of The Crown, Queen Elizabeth II is shown meticulously selecting a new dress for a state dinner. (Netflix, December 2023)
Song Lyrics: "I put on my best dress and I went to the party," from the song "Style" by Taylor Swift. (2014)
Video Game: In a fashion-themed video game, players often have missions to "design a new dress for the spring collection." (Fashion Frenzy, May 2025)
General Public Discourse:
"We need to dress up the living room a bit before the guests arrive." (Heard in conversation)
"The salad was perfectly dressed with a light vinaigrette." (Heard in conversation)
"It's an unwritten rule that you should dress appropriately for a wedding." (Common idiom)
10 Quotes Using Dress
"Dress as if you're already famous." (Unknown)
"You can have anything you want in life if you dress for it." (Edith Head)
"I like my money right where I can see it: hanging in my closet." (Carrie Bradshaw, Sex and the City) - Note: While not directly using "dress," this quote is often associated with the sentiment of valuing fashion, which frequently includes dresses.
"Fashion is what you buy. Style is what you do with it." (Unknown) - Note: Similar to the above, this quote, while not directly using "dress," relates to the broader context of fashion and clothing.
"I dress for the image. Not for myself, not for the public, not for fashion, not for men." (Marlene Dietrich)
"We must dress ourselves in the consciousness of God, not in the consciousness of the world." (Paramahansa Yogananda)
"Life is a party. Dress like it." (Audrey Hepburn)
"When in doubt, wear red." (Bill Blass) - Note: This quote, while not using "dress," is a famous fashion quote that can imply the choice of a red dress.
"People will stare. Make it worth their while." (Harry Winston) - Note: This quote, while not using "dress," is often used in fashion contexts to encourage bold clothing choices, including dresses.
"The best accessory a girl can have is confidence." (Unknown) - Note: Similar to the above, this quote relates to how one presents themselves, which often involves their dress.
Etymology
The word "dress" has a rich history, evolving from a verb about putting things in order to the common noun for a piece of clothing we know today.
Its journey began in Middle English (around 1150-1500). The verb "dressen" or "dresse" meant "to arrange" or "to put in order." This came from Old French "dresser" or "drecier," which itself originated from a Late Latin word, "directiare", meaning "to guide" or "to make straight." Think of how we still use "dress" in a military context, like "dress ranks," meaning to straighten a line of soldiers.
Over time, this idea of "putting in order" or "preparing" expanded to various things:
Preparing food: This is why we "dress" a salad (add sauce and fixings) or "dress" poultry (prepare it for cooking).
Treating a wound: To "dress" a wound means to clean it and apply bandages, putting it in order for healing.
The sense of "putting on clothing" appeared in the late 14th century, as people started to "arrange" or "prepare" their bodies by putting on clothes.
Finally, the noun "dress," referring to a specific garment worn by women and girls, came into use around the 1600s. This specific meaning evolved from the broader idea of "clothing" or "attire" that was "put in order" or "adorned." So, the garment itself became known as a "dress" because it was something you used to "dress" yourself.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Dress
Dress up: To put on formal or special clothes; to make something more attractive or appealing.
Dress down: To wear informal clothes; to reprimand or scold someone.
Dress the part: To wear appropriate clothing for a particular role, occasion, or profession.
Dress rehearsal: A final practice of a play or other performance, using costumes and props.
Dress code: A set of rules about what one should wear.
Dress a wound: To clean and bandage an injury.
Dress a salad: To add a sauce or dressing to a salad.
Dress to impress: To wear clothes specifically chosen to make a good impression on others.
Dress for success: To choose clothing that conveys professionalism and confidence, often in a business context.
Window dressing: Something done or said to create a good impression that is not supported by facts.
Fancy dress: Costumes worn for a party, especially for children.
To each his own dress: (Lesser-known, emphasizing individual style preference)
All dressed up and nowhere to go: To be prepared for an event that doesn't happen.
To get dressed: To put on one's clothes.
Best dress forward: (Original, playing on "put your best foot forward," meaning to present oneself well through clothing)
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of dress from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
