outfit
B1Informal to neutral for the clothing sense; informal/slang for the organization sense; more formal for the verb sense (to equip).
Definition
Meaning
A set of clothes worn together, especially for a particular occasion or purpose.
1. (Noun) An organization, company, or group of people working together, often informally or in a specific field. 2. (Verb) To provide someone or something with the necessary equipment or clothing.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The clothing sense often implies coordination or suitability for an event/role. The organization sense is often informal, sometimes with a slightly dismissive or non-corporate connotation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both noun senses (clothing, organization) are common in both varieties. The verb 'to outfit' (meaning to equip/supply) is somewhat more frequent in American English.
Connotations
In BrE, the organization sense can sound slightly more informal or old-fashioned ('a small publishing outfit'). In AmE, it's very common for any business or group.
Frequency
The clothing sense is highly frequent in both. The organization sense is frequent in AmE, common in BrE.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
outfit (N) for N (She bought an outfit for the wedding.)outfit N with N (They outfitted the expedition with the latest gear.)outfit N as N (He was outfitted as a sailor.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “the whole outfit (everything, the entire group or set)”
- “not my outfit (not my area of expertise/interest - informal AmE)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Informal for a company or team: 'Our marketing outfit is based in London.'
Academic
Rare, except in historical/sociological contexts describing groups: 'a radical political outfit.'
Everyday
Very common for clothing: 'I need a new outfit for the interview.'
Technical
Can refer to a set of equipment or gear in fields like diving, climbing, or military: 'a diver's outfit.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The charity aims to outfit the school with new computers.
- They were fully outfitted for the Arctic expedition.
American English
- We need to outfit the new office before the team moves in.
- The store outfits hikers with top-quality gear.
adverb
British English
- N/A (No adverb form.)
American English
- N/A (No adverb form.)
adjective
British English
- N/A (No standard adjective form. 'Outfitted' is a participle.)
American English
- N/A (No standard adjective form. 'Outfitted' is a participle.)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- She is wearing a beautiful red outfit.
- I bought a new outfit for my birthday party.
- His wedding outfit was a traditional grey suit.
- Can you help me choose an outfit for the job interview?
- The whole outfit, from the hat to the shoes, was perfectly coordinated.
- He works for a small software outfit in Manchester.
- The film crew was a professional but rather eccentric outfit.
- The foundation spent millions outfitting hospitals in the region with modern equipment.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: You go OUT, and you need to be FIT for the occasion. Your OUTFIT makes you fit to go out.
Conceptual Metaphor
AN ORGANIZATION IS A SET OF CLOTHING (e.g., 'He runs a slick outfit' implies a coordinated, well-presented group).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'outfit' as a building exterior (Russian: отделка/фасад).
- Not a direct equivalent for 'costume' (костюм) unless it's a coordinated set for performance/event.
- The verb 'to outfit' is not 'to put on clothes' (одевать), but 'to supply/equip' (снабжать, экипировать).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'outfit' for a single piece of clothing (e.g., 'a jacket outfit'). It implies multiple items.
- Overusing the organization sense in formal writing.
- Incorrect verb pattern: 'She outfitted the dress' (wrong) vs. 'She was outfitted in a dress' (correct).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'outfit' used to mean an organization or group?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'outfit' always refers to a coordinated set of clothing and accessories worn together.
It is neutral to slightly formal, common in contexts of supplying equipment (e.g., outfitting a ship, a laboratory).
'Costume' implies clothing for a specific role, performance, or period (e.g., Halloween, theatre). 'Outfit' is for everyday or occasion-specific wear, though it can overlap (e.g., 'a ski outfit').
It is informal but not inherently disrespectful. It can sound casual, slightly old-fashioned, or pragmatic. Avoid it in very formal corporate documents.