himation: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Rare / C2+Formal, Academic, Historical
Quick answer
What does “himation” mean?
A rectangular cloak or mantle of wool, worn as an outer garment in ancient Greece, draped over the left shoulder and wrapped around the body.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A rectangular cloak or mantle of wool, worn as an outer garment in ancient Greece, draped over the left shoulder and wrapped around the body.
A specific type of ancient Greek outer garment, typically unsewn, larger and more formal than the chlamys. In modern usage, it refers almost exclusively to this historical or artistic artifact.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is consistent.
Connotations
Same academic/historical connotation in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally rare in both British and American English, confined to specialist fields.
Grammar
How to Use “himation” in a Sentence
The [subject] wore/draped/wrapped a himation [around their body].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “himation” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The figure is himationed in the traditional style.
- (Note: 'himation' as a verb is extremely rare and non-standard)
American English
- The artist chose to himation the central figure. (Note: 'himation' as a verb is extremely rare and non-standard)
adjective
British English
- The himation drapery was exquisitely carved.
- A himation-clad statue.
American English
- The himation folds are a key feature of Hellenistic art.
- A himation-wearing orator.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Never used.
Academic
Used in Classics, Archaeology, Art History (e.g., 'The sculpture depicts the philosopher with a himation draped over his shoulder.').
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Used as a precise term for a specific type of ancient garment in museum catalogs or restoration reports.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “himation”
- Using it to describe modern clothing. Pronouncing it as /haɪˈmeɪʃən/. Confusing it with a 'toga' (which is Roman).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A himation is Greek, typically rectangular and wrapped. A toga is Roman, semicircular and more structured. They are distinct garments from different cultures.
No, not in everyday life. It is a historical garment. It may be worn for theatrical productions, historical reenactments, or in certain ceremonial contexts in Greece, but this is rare.
In British English: /hɪˈmatɪɒn/ (hi-MAT-ee-on). In American English: /hɪˈmætiˌɑn/ (hi-MAT-ee-ahn). The stress is on the second syllable.
Almost exclusively in academic writing, museum exhibits, or books about ancient Greek history, art, archaeology, or theatre. It is not part of active, general vocabulary.
A rectangular cloak or mantle of wool, worn as an outer garment in ancient Greece, draped over the left shoulder and wrapped around the body.
Himation is usually formal, academic, historical in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a Greek STATUE wearing a heavy MAT (himation) to keep warm—it's their ancient coat.
Conceptual Metaphor
CLOTHING IS IDENTITY (The himation metaphorically signified the wearer's status as a Greek citizen, philosopher, or deity).
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'himation'?