clothe
C1Formal, literary, occasionally everyday.
Definition
Meaning
To provide or cover someone with garments; to dress.
To cover, envelop, or provide with a protective or characteristic layer; to endow with qualities, attributes, or authority.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often used in passive constructions or formal contexts. The active verb meaning 'to put clothes on someone' is less common in modern everyday speech than 'dress'. It has a strong figurative use in formal and religious language.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in meaning. Slightly more common in UK English in figurative/literary contexts, but usage is very similar.
Connotations
In both varieties, the word often carries formal, ethical (e.g., 'clothe the poor'), or poetic connotations.
Frequency
Considerably less frequent than its noun counterpart 'clothes/clothing'. More likely found in writing than spontaneous speech.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] + clothe + [Object] (people/body)[Subject] + clothe + [Object] + in/with + [Material/Quality]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “clothe in mystery”
- “clothed and in one's right mind”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in specific contexts like textile industry reports ('factories that clothe the nation').
Academic
Used in historical, sociological, or literary analysis ('societies that clothe their dead in ritual garments').
Everyday
Infrequent; 'dress' or 'get dressed' is preferred. Might be used in formal instructions or charity contexts ('help us clothe homeless families').
Technical
Minimal. Possible in costume design or religious studies.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The charity aims to clothe and feed every rough sleeper in the city.
- The hills were clothed in a thick mist.
- The new legislation will clothe regulators with greater powers.
American English
- Our first priority is to clothe the children for the winter.
- The treaty clothes the commission with unprecedented authority.
- He clothed his harsh criticism in polite language.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Parents must feed and clothe their children.
- It's cold outside, so clothe yourself warmly.
- The volunteers help to clothe families who cannot afford new garments.
- In autumn, the trees are clothed in beautiful colours.
- The documentary explored how different cultures clothe their dead.
- She managed to clothe her ambitious proposals in language that seemed modest.
- The ancient king was clothed in symbols of divine authority.
- The committee's vague recommendations were clothed in impenetrable jargon.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'CLOthe' as a verb. The 'e' at the end is like the 'e' in 'clothE' the material, which you use to 'clothe' someone.
Conceptual Metaphor
ATTRIBUTES ARE GARMENTS (e.g., 'clothed in glory', 'clothed with power').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with the noun 'clothes' (одежда). 'Clothe' is a verb. 'I clothe my son' = Я одеваю своего сына.
- Avoid literal translation of figurative uses. 'Clothed in authority' means 'endowed with authority', not literally wearing it.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: *'I need to clothe my clothes.' (Use 'put on' or 'wear').
- Incorrect spelling: Confusing 'clothe' (verb) with 'cloth' (noun, fabric) or 'clothes' (noun, garments).
- Overusing 'clothe' in casual contexts where 'dress' is more natural.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'clothe' in a figurative sense?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is less common than 'dress' or 'wear' in everyday spoken English. It is more formal and often used in literary, religious, or charitable contexts.
'Clothe' /kloʊð/ is a verb meaning to dress. 'Cloth' /klɒθ/ is a noun meaning fabric. 'Clothes' /kloʊðz/ is a plural noun meaning garments.
Yes, very commonly. For example: 'She was clothed entirely in black.' or 'The idea was clothed in complex terminology.'
Both 'clothed' /kloʊðd/ and the archaic/literary 'clad' /klæd/ are acceptable, though 'clothed' is standard for most modern uses.