lacing
C1Neutral, with formal/informal variants depending on context.
Definition
Meaning
A cord, string, or thread passed through eyelets or holes in a material (like a shoe or corset) to draw parts together.
The act or instance of fastening something with such cords; also, a decorative trim or beating/admixture (as in 'laced with').
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily refers to the material used for tying (the lace/lace itself) or the action/pattern of threading it. Also used metaphorically for any interwoven pattern or additive mixture.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Very minimal; both refer to shoelaces, corset lacing, etc. 'Lacing' as a trim or admixture is equally understood.
Connotations
In both, can imply a decorative or fastening element. 'Lacing' of a drink (with spirits) is slightly more informal/idiomatic.
Frequency
Equally common for the primary meaning. Possibly slightly more frequent in UK for clothing/garment context.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Noun] lacinglacing of [Material]lacing [Noun] with [Additive]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Lacing into someone (criticising severely)”
- “Laced with (mixed with, often something undesirable)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare; possibly in fashion retail describing garment features.
Academic
Used in historical/costume studies, materials science.
Everyday
Common for shoes, boots, clothing, and metaphorical use (e.g., 'coffee laced with brandy').
Technical
In engineering/design for fastening systems; in food/beverage industry for additive mixtures.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She was lacing up her hiking boots.
- The speech was laced with irony.
American English
- He's lacing his skates tight.
- The report was laced with technical jargon.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The lacing on my shoe is broken.
- I need help with the lacing.
- She adjusted the lacing on her dress.
- The lacing came undone during the walk.
- The intricate lacing of the bodice took an hour to complete.
- His comment was a subtle lacing of sarcasm.
- The traditional lacing technique varies between regional costumes.
- The policy paper was a lacing of empirical data and ideological assertions.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'racing' to tie your 'laces' – the action is 'lacing'.
Conceptual Metaphor
TYING/FASTENING as CONNECTING/CONSTRAINING; ADDING/MIXING as WEAVING/INTERLACING.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'кружево' (lace as fabric) – 'lacing' is the cord/action, not the decorative fabric.
- Do not translate as 'шнуровка' for all contexts; 'lacing' can be the material itself.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'lacing' to mean 'lace fabric' (incorrect).
- Confusing 'lacing' (noun) with 'to lace' (verb).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'lacing' NOT typically used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it applies to any item fastened with a cord through eyelets (corsets, boots, armour, parcels).
Yes, the verb is 'to lace'; 'lacing' is the present participle or gerund (e.g., 'She is lacing her boots').
'Lace' is the material (the cord) or fabric. 'Lacing' is either the action of threading/fastening, or the system/pattern of laces.
Yes, for shoes/clothing; the metaphorical use ('laced with') is also common in speech and writing.