alamode: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal/Archaic for fashion sense; Informal for dessert sense.
Quick answer
What does “alamode” mean?
in the current fashion.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
in the current fashion; fashionable.
Also refers to a light, glossy silk fabric, or (primarily in American English) a dessert, especially pie, served with ice cream.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The dessert meaning (pie à la mode) is almost exclusively American. The fashion sense is recognized but rarely used in both varieties.
Connotations
In British English, the word is more likely to be associated with the historical fashion sense or the fabric. In American English, it strongly connotes dessert.
Frequency
Very low frequency in British English. Slightly higher in American English due to the dessert term, but still not common in everyday speech.
Grammar
How to Use “alamode” in a Sentence
[be] + alamode[serve] + [dessert] + alamodeVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “alamode” in a Sentence
adverb
British English
- They dressed alamode for the royal ball.
American English
- The restaurant serves its famous pie alamode.
adjective
British English
- His attire was considered very alamode in the 18th century.
American English
- She always wears the most alamode outfits from Paris.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used. Might appear in historical contexts or fashion industry discourse.
Academic
Occasionally used in historical or cultural studies discussing fashion trends.
Everyday
Mostly in American English for ordering dessert (e.g., 'apple pie à la mode').
Technical
In textiles, refers to a type of silk fabric.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “alamode”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “alamode”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “alamode”
- Misspelling as 'alamod', 'a la mode' without accents, or using the dessert sense in British contexts where it may not be understood.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'alamode' is an Anglicized spelling of the French phrase 'à la mode', meaning 'in the fashion'. The accented form is more common, especially for the dessert sense.
No, 'alamode' is not used as a verb. It functions as an adjective or adverb.
In both British and American English, it is pronounced approximately as 'al-uh-MODE'. The stress is on the last syllable.
The fashion sense is now considered archaic and is rarely used in contemporary English, except in historical or stylistic discussions.
in the current fashion.
Alamode is usually formal/archaic for fashion sense; informal for dessert sense. in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “à la mode (for fashion or dessert)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'a la mode' as 'in the mode' (in the current mode or fashion). For dessert, remember 'à la mode' means 'with ice cream' — think of a fashionable pie topping.
Conceptual Metaphor
FASHION IS A PATH (being 'in the mode' is following the current path).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'alamode' most commonly used in contemporary American English?