trousers
B1Neutral/Formal
Definition
Meaning
An outer garment covering the body from the waist to the ankles, with a separate part for each leg.
Refers to pants or slacks; also used figuratively in idioms or to symbolize authority or readiness.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Treated as a plural noun (e.g., 'My trousers are blue'). Often refers to more formal or tailored garments than the more general 'pants'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
UK: Predominant standard term. US: Less common than 'pants'; 'trousers' often implies dressier, tailored garments.
Connotations
UK: Neutral, everyday. US: Slightly formal or specific to certain styles (e.g., suit trousers).
Frequency
High frequency in UK English; medium-low frequency in US English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] + [verb] + a pair of trousers.[Possessive] + trousers + [verb (plural)].[Adjective] + trousers.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “wear the trousers”
- “catch someone with their trousers down”
- “a bit of a mouthful and a trouserful”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Common in formal or business dress codes (e.g., 'Please wear a shirt and trousers to the meeting').
Academic
Used in historical or fashion studies contexts (e.g., 'The evolution of men's trousers in the 19th century').
Everyday
Standard term in the UK; used in shopping or describing clothing.
Technical
Used in tailoring, fashion design, and textile manufacturing.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He carefully trousered the loose change from the dryer.
American English
- The comedian really trousered that role in the film.
adjective
British English
- It was a classic trouser suit for the office.
American English
- She preferred trouser socks with her loafers.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He bought new trousers for school.
- My blue trousers are in the wardrobe.
- I need to find a pair of black trousers for the interview.
- These trousers don't fit me anymore.
- Despite the casual atmosphere, he opted for formal tailored trousers.
- She realised she'd spilled coffee down her new trousers.
- The trousers were impeccably pressed, with a sharp crease running down each leg.
- His remarks about 'wearing the trousers' in the relationship were met with disapproval.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'TROUSers have two legs, just like the letter 'U' has two sides.'
Conceptual Metaphor
CLOTHING IS A CONTAINER (e.g., 'trousers pocket'), AUTHORITY IS WEARING THE TROUSERS.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Remember it is a plural noun ('trousers are'), unlike the singular Russian 'брюки' which is grammatically plural but often used with singular verbs.
- Do not use 'trousers' for shorts, tights, or leggings.
Common Mistakes
- Using a singular verb (e.g., 'This trousers is...').
- Using 'a trousers' instead of 'a pair of trousers'.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is treated as a plural noun. Use plural verbs and pronouns (e.g., 'The trousers are...', 'They are...'). To refer to one item, say 'a pair of trousers'.
In British English, 'trousers' is the standard term for the garment. 'Pants' refers to underwear. In American English, 'pants' is the standard term for trousers.
No. The correct singular form is 'a pair of trousers'.
It's informal and relatively rare. It means to pocket or take something, especially money, often in a sly way.
Collections
Part of a collection
Colors and Clothes
A1 · 45 words · Colors and common items of clothing.