lacey
B2informal, descriptive, fashion
Definition
Meaning
Having an open, decorative pattern of holes, typically resembling or made with lace.
Delicate, intricate, or finely woven; can also refer to something resembling the quality or pattern of lace fabric.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used as an adjective to describe fabric, clothing, or patterns. Can also be used metaphorically to describe something delicate or intricate.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The spelling 'lacy' is equally standard and more common in both varieties. 'Lacey' is an accepted variant spelling.
Connotations
Identical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
The variant spelling 'lacey' may be slightly less frequent overall but is still widely recognized, particularly as a proper noun (surname, place name).
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[be] + lacey[look] + lacey[made of] + lacey materialVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms specific to 'lacey']”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in fashion retail and textile industry descriptions.
Academic
Rare; might appear in texts on textile history or design.
Everyday
Common when describing clothing, linens, or decorative items.
Technical
Used in fashion design, sewing, and textile manufacturing.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- [No standard verb use]
American English
- [No standard verb use]
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverb use]
American English
- [No standard adverb use]
adjective
British English
- She wore a lovely lacey blouse to the garden party.
- The table was covered with a lacey cloth.
American English
- Her lacey wedding veil was a family heirloom.
- The bakery box had a lacey paper doily inside.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Her dress was white and lacey.
- I like your lacey shirt.
- The summer top had lacey sleeves that let the air through.
- The vintage handkerchief had a beautiful lacey border.
- The intricate, lacey pattern of the frost on the window was stunning.
- She chose a dress with a subtly lacey overlay for the ceremony.
- The architect incorporated a lacey, wrought-iron balcony that contrasted with the solid stone facade.
- The narrative was woven with a lacey complexity of subplots and motifs.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'lace' (the fabric) + the letter 'y' to make it an adjective. Lace-y means 'like lace'.
Conceptual Metaphor
DELICACY IS AN OPEN PATTERN / INTRICACY IS A WEB
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'лёгкий' (light) or 'кружевной' (the direct translation). Ensure the context is about a pattern of holes, not just weight.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 'lacey' with 'lazy'.
- Using it to describe something simply 'light' or 'thin' without the characteristic open pattern.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the LEAST likely to be described as 'lacey'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'lacey' is a standard variant spelling of the adjective 'lacy'. Both are correct.
Yes, it can be used metaphorically. For example, 'lacey frost' describes frost with a delicate, web-like pattern.
'Lace' is a noun (the fabric/material). 'Lacey' (or 'lacy') is an adjective meaning 'made of lace' or 'resembling lace'.
Yes, 'Lacey' is a common feminine given name and surname in English-speaking countries.