diamante: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal / Fashion / Literary
Quick answer
What does “diamante” mean?
Small, glittering ornament, often a rhinestone or sequin, used for decoration.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Small, glittering ornament, often a rhinestone or sequin, used for decoration.
A style of decoration or fabric characterized by the use of many small, shiny ornaments; also used attributively (e.g., diamante shoes).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common in UK English; in US English, 'rhinestone' is a more frequent everyday term.
Connotations
In UK English, can evoke glamour, eveningwear, or a touch of vintage/retro style. In US English, may sound more deliberately European or high-fashion.
Frequency
Low frequency in both varieties, but higher in UK fashion/retail contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “diamante” in a Sentence
[fabric/clothing] with diamante [detail/trim][item] decorated with diamantea [brooch/clip] of diamanteVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “diamante” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- Her vintage, diamante clutch caught the light beautifully.
- The costume featured elaborate diamante embroidery.
American English
- She chose a gown with subtle diamante accents for the gala.
- The letters on the jacket were done in red diamante.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in fashion retail/product descriptions (e.g., 'Evening bag with silver diamante clasp').
Academic
Rare; might appear in material culture, fashion history, or textile studies.
Everyday
Limited to descriptions of clothing or accessories, especially for special occasions.
Technical
In jewellery or costume manufacturing, specifying type of imitation gem setting.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “diamante”
- Using 'diamante' to refer to a real diamond (incorrect).
- Pronouncing it as 'dye-a-man-tee' (incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Diamante' almost always refers to an artificial, sparkling ornament made of glass, plastic, or crystal (like a rhinestone), used for decoration.
They are largely synonyms for imitation gemstones. 'Diamante' is more common in UK English and can sound more fashion-oriented, while 'rhinestone' is standard in US English.
Yes, it is most commonly used attributively (before a noun) as an adjective, e.g., 'diamante buckle', 'diamante heels'.
In British English: /ˌdiːəˈmænteɪ/ (dee-uh-MAN-tay). In American English: /ˌdiːəˈmɑːnteɪ/ (dee-uh-MAHN-tay). The final 'e' is pronounced.
Small, glittering ornament, often a rhinestone or sequin, used for decoration.
Diamante is usually formal / fashion / literary in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “diamante smile (literary/metaphorical for a bright, insincere smile)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
DIAMANTE = DIAMond + ANTE (as in 'ante up' in poker) → think of 'betting' on fake diamonds for flashy decoration.
Conceptual Metaphor
SPARKLE IS GLAMOUR / DECORATION IS LIGHT
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'diamante' most appropriately used?