lace
B1Neutral to formal (noun), sometimes informal (verb, 'to lace with').
Definition
Meaning
A delicate fabric made of threads woven into an open web-like pattern; a cord or string used to fasten shoes or clothing by being threaded through holes.
To add a small amount of a substance, typically alcohol or a drug, to a drink or food without the consumer's knowledge; to interweave or entwine; to trim or decorate with lace.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The noun primarily refers to the fabric or the shoelace. The verb can be literal ('lace up boots') or figurative/metaphorical ('lace with sarcasm', 'lace a drink').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. 'Shoelace' is more common than 'lace' alone for the fastening in both, but 'lace' is perfectly understood. The verb for fastening is used similarly.
Connotations
The noun often carries connotations of delicacy, femininity, or ornamentation (fabric lace). The verb can have negative connotations when meaning 'to adulterate'.
Frequency
The noun is of comparable frequency. The verb 'lace with' is used similarly.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
lace + object (e.g., lace your boots)lace + object + with + substance (e.g., lace the drink with poison)be laced with + substance/quality (e.g., His speech was laced with irony.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “lace into someone (criticize severely)”
- “straight-laced (very morally strict, also 'strait-laced')”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Potentially in fashion/textile industry (e.g., 'import of French lace').
Academic
Rare, except in historical or textile studies contexts.
Everyday
Common for shoes ('tie your laces') and describing decorative fabric ('a lace tablecloth').
Technical
In footwear design, textile manufacturing.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He paused to lace up his walking boots.
- The cocktail was allegedly laced with a sedative.
- She laced her fingers together nervously.
American English
- Lace your sneakers tight before you run.
- The reporter laced his questions with sarcasm.
- They lace the punch with rum every year.
adverb
British English
- No common adverbial form. Use 'in a laced manner' (very rare).
American English
- No common adverbial form.
adjective
British English
- She wore a beautiful lace-trimmed blouse.
- The vintage lace curtain was fragile.
American English
- She bought a lace tablecloth for the dinner party.
- The dress had lace sleeves.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My shoelace is untied.
- Her dress has pretty white lace.
- Can you help me lace up the back of this costume?
- The old photograph showed women wearing lace collars.
- His criticism was deftly laced with ironic praise.
- The artisan demonstrated how to make traditional bobbin lace.
- The investigative report was laced with damning evidence from confidential sources.
- The treaty's clauses were intricately laced with mutual obligations and safeguards.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a race: you need to LACE up your shoes before you can RACE.
Conceptual Metaphor
INTERWEAVING IS COMBINING: 'His story was laced with humour.' DECORATION IS ADDED VALUE: 'She laced her speech with compliments.'
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing 'lace' (кружево / шнурок) with 'face' (лицо) due to phonetic similarity.
- The verb 'to lace' meaning 'to add alcohol' has no direct single-word Russian equivalent; use 'подмешать (алкоголь)'.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'He laced on his boots.' (Correct: 'He laced up his boots.' or 'He laced his boots.')
- Confusing 'lace' (fabric) with 'laser'.
Practice
Quiz
What does it mean if a drink is 'laced'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. As a noun, it can be a decorative fabric or a cord for fastening. As a verb, it can mean to fasten, to intertwine, or to add something to a drink.
'Shoelace' is specific to footwear. 'Lace' can be a shoelace, but also refers to the decorative fabric or, as a verb, has broader meanings.
Yes. Describing something as 'lace' suggests delicacy and beauty ('lace wedding gown'). The verb can be positive ('laced with kindness').
No, it's an idiom. It comes from the idea of being tightly laced into a corset, meaning overly strict or conventional in morals.
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