drape
B2Neutral; more formal in noun sense (drapes), common in descriptions and interior design.
Definition
Meaning
To arrange (cloth or clothing) loosely and gracefully over something or someone, allowing it to hang in folds.
To place something loosely over a surface or object; can refer to the way something hangs or covers. Also, a noun for a curtain or piece of cloth hung in loose folds.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a verb, often implies care, intentionality, and aesthetic arrangement. As a noun (drape/drapes), more common in US English for curtains.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Noun: UK speakers typically say 'curtains'; US speakers commonly say 'drapes'. Verb: usage largely identical.
Connotations
UK: 'Drape' (verb) neutral; noun 'drapes' can sound formal or American. US: 'Drapes' (noun) standard for heavy window coverings.
Frequency
Noun usage is significantly more frequent in American English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
SVOO (drape someone with something)SVA (drape something over something)SV (drape across/around something)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “drape over the edge”
- “drape in secrecy”
- “drape in mourning”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
In retail, 'draped display' or 'draped mannequin'.
Academic
Used in art history and design to describe fabric depiction.
Everyday
Arranging a blanket, hanging curtains, wearing a shawl.
Technical
In medicine, to cover a patient with sterile cloths; in architecture, to describe a flowing form.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She drape the tablecloth over the garden table.
- He draped his arm casually around her shoulders.
- We draped the statue to protect it from the dust.
American English
- She draped the tablecloth over the patio table.
- He draped his arm around her shoulders.
- They draped the furniture before painting the room.
adverb
British English
- The fabric hung drape and loose.
- The curtains fell drape to the floor.
American English
- The fabric fell drape and full.
- The shawl was worn drape across the shoulders.
adjective
British English
- The drape effect was very elegant.
- She preferred a drape style for her curtains.
American English
- The drape look was very stylish.
- She bought a drape panel for the window.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- She draped a coat over the sleeping child.
- The flag drapes over the side of the building.
- He draped the towel around his neck after the shower.
- The vines drape beautifully over the old fence.
- The artist draped the model in silk for the portrait.
- Heavy velvet drapes blocked out the morning light.
- The mountains were draped in a thick, ominous mist.
- She expertly draped the sari, creating an intricate pattern of folds.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a DRAPery shop; they sell cloth you DRAPE over things.
Conceptual Metaphor
COVERING IS PROTECTING/CONCEALING; ELEGANCE IS FLOWING FABRIC.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Not to be confused with 'драпировать' (which is correct), but the noun 'drapes' is not 'драп' (a type of fabric).
- Avoid using 'drape' for simply 'hanging' something stiffly; it implies softness and folds.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'drape' without an object (e.g., 'The cloth draped' needs 'over the chair').
- Confusing 'drape' (verb) with 'drape' as a countable noun (a single curtain).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the noun 'drapes' most commonly used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is regular: drape, draped, draped.
'Drape' specifically implies a soft material arranged in loose folds. 'Hang' is more general and can be used for rigid objects.
In interior design, a 'drape' can refer to a single curtain panel, but it is more common to use the plural 'drapes' for a set.
No, the pronunciation /dreɪp/ is virtually identical in both major varieties.