vest
C1neutral (noun), formal (verb)
Definition
Meaning
A sleeveless, close-fitting garment, typically worn over a shirt or as part of a suit.
To place or settle (authority, property, or rights) in someone; to confer power or ownership. Also, to don a garment or be equipped with something.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primary meaning shifts significantly between noun (clothing) and verb (legal/formal act of conferring). The noun is far more frequent in everyday language.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In BrE, 'vest' = an undergarment, often sleeveless (like an undershirt). In AmE, 'vest' = a sleeveless outer garment, often worn over a shirt (waistcoat).
Connotations
BrE: private, underwear. AmE: formal/smart casual (suit vest), practical (fishing/safety vest).
Frequency
Noun is high-frequency in both, but referring to different garments. The verb is low-frequency and formal in both.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
vest something in someonevest someone with somethingbe vested in someoneVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “play it close to the vest (AmE)”
- “vested interest”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to 'vested shares/options' (fully owned after a period).
Academic
Used in legal/political texts: 'authority is vested in the council'.
Everyday
Almost exclusively refers to the garment.
Technical
Specific types: ballistic vest, thermal vest, high-visibility vest.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Executive power is formally vested in the monarch.
- The estate was vested in the eldest son.
American English
- The charter vests the board with ultimate authority.
- Her retirement plan will fully vest after five years.
adjective
British English
- She has a vested interest in the company's success.
- Vested rights cannot be easily revoked.
American English
- He argued it was a constitutionally vested power.
- The vested benefits are protected by law.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He wore a warm vest under his coat.
- The lifeguard put on his orange life vest.
- In the UK, a vest is often worn as underwear.
- For the wedding, he bought a new suit with a matching vest.
- Police officers facing riots wear protective vests.
- The founder's shares will vest over a four-year period.
- The constitution vests legislative power in parliament.
- Critics accused him of having a vested interest in maintaining the status quo.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
VEST: Very Essential Sleeveless Top (for the noun). For the verb: Very Exclusive Status Transferred.
Conceptual Metaphor
CLOTHING IS PROTECTION/POWER (bulletproof vest, vested authority).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate 'vest' as 'zhilet' without context – 'zhilet' is specifically AmE 'vest'/waistcoat. BrE 'vest' is often 'majka' (undershirt).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'vest' to mean any jacket. Confusing BrE/AmE meanings leads to awkward situations.
Practice
Quiz
What does the phrase 'vested interest' most accurately mean?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are different garments. In the UK, a vest is an undershirt. In the US, a vest is a sleeveless garment worn over a shirt (called a 'waistcoat' in the UK).
Yes, but it's formal. It means to confer power, rights, or property onto someone (e.g., 'Authority is vested in the director').
It's a sleeveless jacket filled with material that floats, worn to keep a person from drowning. Also called a 'life jacket'. This term is used in both AmE and BrE.
It's an American idiom meaning to be secretive or cautious, not revealing your plans or feelings. It comes from card games where players hold their cards close to their chest (vest).