swimsuit
B1Neutral, Everyday
Definition
Meaning
A piece of clothing worn for swimming.
Garment designed for water-based activities and leisure wear; can encompass both one-piece and two-piece (bikini) styles.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
A hypernym for specific types like 'bikini' or 'one-piece'. Implies purpose-built fabric (e.g., lycra) that is chlorine-resistant and quick-drying.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term 'swimsuit' is common in both, but 'swimming costume' is a more traditional BrE alternative. 'Bathing suit' is common AmE.
Connotations
BrE 'swimming costume' can sound slightly old-fashioned or formal; 'swimsuit' is modern and neutral in both.
Frequency
'Swimsuit' is the most frequent modern term in both varieties, with 'bathing suit' holding strong in AmE.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[verb] + swimsuit (wear, buy, change into)[adjective] + swimsuit (new, wet, matching)swimsuit + [noun] (swimsuit top, swimsuit bottoms)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Born in a swimsuit (very fond of swimming)”
- “Nothing but a swimsuit between them (a very close relationship)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in retail/fashion contexts (e.g., 'The swimsuit line launched successfully').
Academic
Very rare, possibly in design or material science studies.
Everyday
Very common in travel, leisure, and personal shopping contexts.
Technical
Used in textile engineering for properties like 'chlorine resistance'.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I need a new swimsuit for my holiday.
- Her swimsuit is blue and white.
- Don't forget to pack your swimsuit if we're going to the beach.
- She tried on three different swimsuits before choosing one.
- The new swimsuit collection features sustainable, recycled materials.
- After the swim, he hung his wet swimsuit on the line to dry.
- The design of the swimsuit prioritises both hydrodynamic efficiency and aesthetic appeal.
- She felt the swimsuit's fabric had lost its elasticity after repeated exposure to chlorinated water.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
SWIM + SUIT: A suit you wear to swim, just like a 'space suit' for space.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SECOND SKIN (for aquatic environments).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque 'swimming costume' (купальный костюм) which sounds overly literal; 'swimsuit' is плавки (masc, for briefs) or купальник (fem, for one-piece). Context is key.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'swim dress' interchangeably (a specific style).
- Confusing 'swimsuit' (general) with 'bikini' (specific two-piece).
Practice
Quiz
Which term is a more traditional British alternative to 'swimsuit'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A bikini is a specific type of two-piece swimsuit. 'Swimsuit' is the general term covering one-piece, bikini, tankini, etc.
Yes, but it's more commonly used for women's garments. For men, 'swim trunks' or 'boardshorts' are more specific common terms, though 'swimsuit' can be a hypernym.
It is appropriate in most contexts, but in very formal writing, you might opt for 'swimwear' or describe it as 'appropriate attire for swimming'.
Consider fit, support, fabric quality (chlorine resistance for pools), sun protection (UPF rating), and the intended activity (e.g., lap swimming vs. sunbathing).
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