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B1 noun #17 le plus courant 11 min de lecture

outfit

Top 17

At the A1 level, you should know that an 'outfit' is a set of clothes. It is a simple word to describe what you wear. You can say 'I like your outfit' to a friend. It means the shirt and pants look good together. You might learn this word when talking about colors and basic clothing items like hats, shoes, and dresses. It is a helpful word because instead of saying 'I like your shirt and your pants and your shoes,' you can just say 'I like your outfit.' This makes your English sound more natural and less like a list. Remember, 'outfit' is for one set of clothes. If you have two sets, you say 'outfits.' It is a very common word in daily life, especially when you are getting ready for school or a party. You can practice by looking at pictures of people and describing their outfits using simple colors, like 'He has a blue outfit' or 'She has a red outfit.'

At the A2 level, you can use 'outfit' to talk about specific occasions. You might have an outfit for a party, an outfit for school, or an outfit for sports. You are starting to understand that an outfit is a 'complete' look. You can use adjectives to describe it, such as 'new outfit,' 'cool outfit,' or 'pretty outfit.' You also learn that you can 'choose' or 'buy' an outfit. For example, 'I bought a new outfit for the summer.' At this level, you might also see 'outfit' used in simple stories to describe what a character is wearing. It is important to remember that 'outfit' is a countable noun, so you always need to use 'a' or 'the' before it if it is singular. You can also start to use the word to ask questions, like 'Do you like my outfit?' or 'Which outfit should I wear today?' This helps you participate in basic conversations about fashion and daily routines.

At the B1 level, which is the intermediate level, you understand the nuances of 'outfit' better. You know it refers to a coordinated set of clothes for a particular purpose, like a 'business outfit' or a 'wedding outfit.' You can use more complex adjectives like 'stylish,' 'appropriate,' or 'casual.' You are also introduced to the second meaning of 'outfit': a group of people or a small business. For example, you might read about a 'small publishing outfit' or a 'local rescue outfit.' This expands your vocabulary into professional and organizational contexts. You can use 'outfit' to describe teams or companies that are specialized. You also begin to use the word in more complex sentence structures, such as 'I need to find an outfit that is both comfortable and professional.' You understand that 'outfit' is a more versatile word than just 'clothes' because it implies a sense of unity, whether in a set of garments or a group of people.

At the B2 level, you use 'outfit' with confidence in both its clothing and organizational senses. You understand that calling a company an 'outfit' can sometimes imply it is small, independent, or even slightly informal. You can use it in business discussions, such as 'They are a very efficient outfit.' In terms of fashion, you might use 'outfit' to discuss trends, personal style, and the social impact of clothing. You are familiar with collocations like 'complete outfit,' 'matching outfit,' and 'shady outfit.' You can also use the verb form 'to outfit,' meaning to provide someone or something with necessary equipment or clothes, e.g., 'The expedition was outfitted with the latest technology.' Your understanding of the word allows you to use it in more formal writing and varied social situations. You can distinguish between 'outfit' and its synonyms like 'ensemble' or 'firm' based on the context and the level of formality required.

At the C1 level, you have a sophisticated grasp of 'outfit.' You recognize the subtle connotations the word carries in different contexts. In literature or journalism, you might notice 'outfit' used to describe a political group or a criminal gang, where it suggests a tight-knit but perhaps secretive organization. You can use the word metaphorically or in idiomatic expressions. You are aware of the historical etymology—how it moved from 'fitting out' a ship to describing a set of clothes or a team. Your use of the word is precise; you know when 'outfit' is the perfect choice over 'company' to emphasize the specialized or small-scale nature of a business. You can also discuss the cultural significance of 'outfits' in various societies, from traditional dress to modern subcultures. Your vocabulary is rich enough to use 'outfit' as a tool for detailed description and nuanced commentary in both spoken and written English.

At the C2 level, you master 'outfit' in all its complexities. You can use it in highly technical, academic, or creative writing with perfect accuracy. You understand the most obscure uses of the word, such as its application in military history or specialized industrial contexts. You can play with the word's meanings for stylistic effect, perhaps using it to create a specific tone in a piece of fiction or a persuasive essay. You are fully aware of the register shifts—how 'outfit' can move from a casual compliment to a professional descriptor to a slightly derogatory term for a poorly run business. You can analyze the use of 'outfit' in complex texts, identifying the author's intent and the word's impact on the reader. Your command of the word is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker, allowing you to use 'outfit' with absolute precision, creativity, and cultural awareness in any possible scenario.

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

outfit en 30 secondes

A set of clothes worn together as a coordinated ensemble.
A small group of people working together as a unit or business.
Can be used as a verb meaning to provide with equipment.
Commonly used in fashion, business, and everyday conversation.

The word outfit is a versatile noun that primarily describes a coordinated set of clothes. When you choose a shirt, trousers, shoes, and perhaps a jacket that all look good together, you have created an outfit. It is a term deeply rooted in the concept of presentation and purpose. People use this word most frequently when discussing fashion, preparation for events, or daily routines. However, the word extends beyond the wardrobe. In a more professional or organizational context, an outfit refers to a group of people working together as a single unit, such as a small business, a military department, or a specialized team. This dual nature makes it a fascinating word for learners to master.

Fashion Context: In the world of style, an outfit is more than just clothes; it is an ensemble. It implies that the items were chosen to complement each other. You might hear someone say, 'That is a lovely outfit,' implying the entire look is successful.

She spent hours picking out the perfect outfit for her first job interview to ensure she made a great impression.

Organizational Context: When used to describe a company, 'outfit' often carries a connotation of being small, specialized, or perhaps slightly informal. For example, a 'publishing outfit' might be a small independent press rather than a global corporation.

The local rescue outfit was praised for its quick response during the flood.

Historically, the word comes from the idea of 'fitting out' a ship or an expedition with the necessary equipment. This is why we still use it for both the gear (clothes) and the crew (the organization). In modern conversation, you will hear it in casual settings ('I love your outfit!') and in journalism ('The intelligence outfit reported new findings'). It is a word that bridges the gap between the personal and the professional, the aesthetic and the functional. Understanding the nuance of 'outfit' allows you to describe both what people wear and how they organize themselves with precision and flair.

He donned a traditional outfit for the cultural festival, complete with a handmade vest.

They run a very professional outfit over at the new construction site.

Technical Equipment: Sometimes, 'outfit' refers to the full set of equipment for a specific activity, like a fishing outfit or a camping outfit, though this is less common than the clothing definition.

The hiking outfit included boots, a backpack, and a waterproof jacket.

Using the word outfit correctly requires an understanding of its role as a countable noun. In its most common usage, it refers to a singular collection of garments. You 'wear' an outfit, 'put on' an outfit, or 'choose' an outfit. Because it is countable, you must use articles like 'an' or 'the', or possessives like 'my' or 'her'. For example, 'I need a new outfit for the wedding' is correct, whereas 'I need new outfit' is not. When referring to a group or business, the grammar remains the same: 'The whole outfit moved to a new office last week.' Here, 'outfit' acts as a collective noun, representing the entire team as one entity.

Verb Pairings: Common verbs that go with outfit include: complete, design, change, match, and coordinate. You might 'complete your outfit' with a scarf.

She decided to outfit the entire team in matching jerseys for the tournament.

When describing an outfit, adjectives play a crucial role. You can have a 'stunning outfit', a 'casual outfit', a 'ridiculous outfit', or a 'formal outfit'. These descriptors help specify the nature of the clothing set. In the business sense, you might describe an 'independent outfit' or a 'shady outfit'. The flexibility of the word allows it to fit into almost any sentence structure where a group or a set is being discussed. It is also important to note that 'outfit' is often used in the plural—'outfits'—when referring to multiple sets of clothes, such as those worn by a character throughout a movie or a collection in a fashion show.

The movie was famous for the elaborate outfits worn by the lead actress.

Prepositional Use: We often use 'in' with outfit: 'He arrived in a strange outfit.' We also use 'for' to denote purpose: 'An outfit for the gym.'

Is that the outfit you are planning to wear for the ceremony?

The small research outfit published their findings in a prestigious journal.

The word outfit is ubiquitous in daily life, appearing in diverse environments from high-fashion runways to casual coffee shop chats. In the world of social media, particularly on platforms like Instagram or TikTok, 'outfit' is a keyword. You will see hashtags like #OutfitOfTheDay (OOTD), where users showcase their daily clothing choices. Fashion bloggers and influencers use the word constantly to describe their style and provide inspiration to their followers. In this context, 'outfit' is associated with self-expression, creativity, and personal branding. It is the standard term for a complete look that someone has carefully curated.

Social Media & Blogs: 'I just posted my latest outfit on the blog!' This usage highlights the visual and aesthetic appeal of the word.

Her outfit went viral after she wore it to the music festival.

Beyond fashion, you will encounter 'outfit' in news reports and business journals. Journalists often use it to describe small, agile companies or specialized groups. For instance, a 'security outfit' or a 'lobbying outfit' are common phrases in political and corporate reporting. In these cases, the word suggests a group that is tightly knit and focused on a specific task. It can sometimes have a slightly informal or even skeptical tone, as in 'a fly-by-night outfit', which refers to a company that is unreliable or likely to disappear quickly. This usage is common in investigative journalism and business analysis.

The small software outfit was eventually bought by a tech giant.

Movies and Literature: In films, especially crime dramas or westerns, 'outfit' might refer to a gang or a group of outlaws. 'The whole outfit is headed for the border.'

The sheriff was determined to take down the entire criminal outfit.

Finally, in everyday domestic life, parents talk about their children's 'outfits' for school or sports. Friends compliment each other's 'outfits' when meeting for dinner. It is a word that exists in the background of almost every social interaction involving appearance. Whether you are reading a fashion magazine, a business report, or a novel, 'outfit' is a key piece of vocabulary that helps you navigate different social and professional landscapes.

He packed three different outfits for the weekend trip to the coast.

The local theater outfit is putting on a production of Hamlet this winter.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with outfit is confusing it with the general plural noun 'clothes'. While all outfits are made of clothes, not all clothes constitute an outfit. 'Clothes' is an uncountable plural (you cannot say 'a clothes'), whereas 'outfit' is a countable singular noun. For example, you would say 'I have many clothes' but 'I have many outfits'. If you say 'I am wearing a clothes', it is grammatically incorrect; you should say 'I am wearing an outfit' or 'I am wearing clothes'. Understanding this distinction is vital for natural-sounding English.

Outfit vs. Clothing: 'Clothing' is a general category (uncountable), while 'outfit' is a specific set. You wouldn't say 'I bought a clothing', but you can say 'I bought an outfit'.

Incorrect: He put on a new clothes for the party. Correct: He put on a new outfit for the party.

Another common error occurs when using 'outfit' to describe a company. Some learners use it for very large, prestigious corporations, but this can sound slightly off. 'Outfit' usually implies a smaller, more specialized, or perhaps less formal group. Calling a massive global bank an 'outfit' might sound dismissive or overly casual. It is better to use 'company', 'corporation', or 'firm' for large entities. Reserve 'outfit' for smaller teams, local businesses, or specific departments. Additionally, avoid using 'outfit' when you simply mean a single piece of clothing like a 'shirt'. An outfit must be a combination of items.

Singular vs. Plural: Remember that 'outfit' refers to the whole set. If you are only talking about your pants, do not call them your 'outfit'.

Incorrect: My outfit is blue (referring only to a shirt). Correct: My shirt is blue, and it matches my whole outfit.

Finally, be careful with the verb form. While 'to outfit' is a valid verb meaning to equip, it is less common than the noun. Learners sometimes try to use it as a synonym for 'to dress', but 'she outfitted herself' sounds much more formal and technical than 'she got dressed'. Use the verb form mainly when talking about providing equipment for a specific purpose, like 'outfitting an expedition'. Stick to the noun for everyday fashion and business contexts to ensure your English sounds natural and appropriate for the situation.

The store specializes in outfitting hikers for mountain treks.

They are a small but reliable outfit that handles all our catering needs.

To enrich your vocabulary, it is helpful to look at words that are similar to outfit but carry different shades of meaning. In the context of clothing, 'ensemble' is a more sophisticated and formal alternative. It is often used in high fashion to describe a highly coordinated look. 'Attire' is another formal word, usually referring to the type of clothing required for an event (e.g., 'formal attire'). On the more casual side, 'getup' is a fun, slightly informal word often used when someone is wearing something unusual or striking. 'Rig' is a more technical or military-leaning term for a set of gear or clothes.

Ensemble vs. Outfit: An ensemble sounds more artistic and planned. An outfit is the standard, everyday term. You wear an outfit to work, but a model wears an ensemble on the runway.

Her wedding ensemble included a vintage veil and silk gloves.

When 'outfit' refers to a group or business, synonyms include 'firm', 'organization', 'unit', 'crew', and 'team'. 'Firm' is typically used for professional services like law or accounting. 'Organization' is a broad, neutral term for any structured group. 'Crew' and 'team' imply a high level of collaboration and are often used for manual work or sports. 'Unit' is common in military or medical contexts. Choosing the right synonym depends on the level of formality and the specific nature of the group you are describing. 'Outfit' remains the most versatile and slightly informal choice among these options.

Firm vs. Outfit: A 'firm' sounds established and corporate. An 'outfit' sounds smaller, perhaps more independent or scrappy. You'd call a law office a firm, but a small indie film crew an outfit.

The legal firm took on the case pro bono.

Understanding these alternatives allows you to vary your language and express yourself with more nuance. If you are writing a formal report, you might choose 'organization'. If you are complimenting a friend's style, 'outfit' is perfect. If you are describing a complex fashion look in a blog post, 'ensemble' adds a touch of class. By mastering 'outfit' and its synonyms, you gain a powerful tool for describing both the physical appearance of individuals and the structural nature of groups in the English-speaking world.

The whole crew stayed late to finish the project on time.

He wore a strange getup consisting of a cape and a top hat.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

"The diplomatic outfit requested a formal meeting."

Neutre

"She wore a nice outfit to the office."

Informel

"That's a cool outfit, where did you get it?"

Child friendly

"Put on your favorite outfit for the party!"

Argot

"Your fit is fire! (Note: 'fit' is slang for 'outfit')"

Le savais-tu ?

The transition from 'shipping equipment' to 'clothes' happened because a person's clothes were seen as their personal 'equipment' for the day.

Guide de prononciation

UK /ˈaʊt.fɪt/

US /ˈaʊt.fɪt/

First syllable: OUTFIT

Rime avec

benefit counterfeit fit hit sit bit kit lit

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing it as 'out-feet'
Stressing the second syllable
Confusing it with 'output'
Missing the 't' sound entirely
Using it as an uncountable noun like 'clothes'

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

Easy to recognize in context.

Écriture 3/5

Requires correct use of articles and understanding of its two meanings.

Expression orale 2/5

Commonly used and easy to pronounce.

Écoute 2/5

Clear pronunciation in most dialects.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

clothes shirt pants group company

Apprends ensuite

ensemble attire organization syndicate equipment

Avancé

sartorial accoutrements consortium conglomerate apparel

Grammaire à connaître

Countable Nouns

I have an outfit (singular), I have many outfits (plural).

Adjective Order

A beautiful (opinion) blue (color) silk (material) outfit.

Collective Nouns

The whole outfit (singular verb) is moving to a new office.

Articles with Vowels

Use 'an' before 'outfit' because it starts with 'o'.

Compound Adjectives

A family-run outfit (hyphenated before the noun).

Exemples par niveau

I like your new outfit.

J'aime ta nouvelle tenue.

Use 'your' before 'outfit'.

She has a blue outfit.

Elle a une tenue bleue.

Adjective 'blue' comes before 'outfit'.

Is this a good outfit?

Est-ce une bonne tenue ?

Question form with 'is'.

He wears a warm outfit in winter.

Il porte une tenue chaude en hiver.

Present simple 'wears'.

My outfit is for school.

Ma tenue est pour l'école.

Preposition 'for' shows purpose.

Look at her pretty outfit!

Regarde sa jolie tenue !

Imperative 'look at'.

I need an outfit for the party.

J'ai besoin d'une tenue pour la fête.

Use 'an' before 'outfit' because it starts with a vowel.

They have matching outfits.

Ils ont des tenues assorties.

Plural 'outfits'.

She bought a new outfit for the wedding.

Elle a acheté une nouvelle tenue pour le mariage.

Past simple 'bought'.

What outfit are you wearing tonight?

Quelle tenue portes-tu ce soir ?

Present continuous for future plans.

He chose a casual outfit for the picnic.

Il a choisi une tenue décontractée pour le pique-nique.

Adjective 'casual' describes the style.

This outfit doesn't fit me anymore.

Cette tenue ne me va plus.

Negative 'doesn't fit'.

I love the outfit you wore yesterday.

J'adore la tenue que tu portais hier.

Relative clause 'you wore yesterday'.

She has many different outfits for work.

Elle a beaucoup de tenues différentes pour le travail.

Use 'many' with plural 'outfits'.

Is that a traditional outfit from your country?

Est-ce une tenue traditionnelle de ton pays ?

Adjective 'traditional'.

He needs a sports outfit for the gym.

Il a besoin d'une tenue de sport pour la salle de sport.

Compound noun 'sports outfit'.

The local rescue outfit arrived within minutes.

L'équipe de secours locale est arrivée en quelques minutes.

'Outfit' here means a small organization.

She managed to coordinate her entire outfit perfectly.

Elle a réussi à coordonner parfaitement toute sa tenue.

Verb 'coordinate' used with 'outfit'.

They run a small publishing outfit in the city center.

Ils dirigent une petite maison d'édition au centre-ville.

'Publishing outfit' is a common business phrase.

It's important to wear a professional outfit for an interview.

Il est important de porter une tenue professionnelle pour un entretien.

Infinitive 'to wear' as a subject complement.

The whole outfit is moving to a larger office next month.

Toute l'équipe déménage dans un bureau plus grand le mois prochain.

'Whole outfit' refers to the entire company.

He felt out of place in such a formal outfit.

Il se sentait mal à l'aise dans une tenue aussi formelle.

Idiom 'out of place'.

The theater outfit is looking for new actors.

La troupe de théâtre recherche de nouveaux acteurs.

'Theater outfit' refers to a troupe.

She decided to change her outfit before the dinner party.

Elle a décidé de changer de tenue avant le dîner.

Verb 'change' with 'outfit'.

The company was originally a small family-run outfit.

L'entreprise était à l'origine une petite structure familiale.

Compound adjective 'family-run'.

He was outfitted with all the gear necessary for the climb.

Il était équipé de tout le matériel nécessaire pour l'ascension.

Passive voice 'was outfitted'.

The intelligence outfit provided a detailed report on the situation.

Le service de renseignement a fourni un rapport détaillé sur la situation.

'Intelligence outfit' is a formal term for an agency.

She has a knack for putting together stylish outfits on a budget.

Elle a le don de composer des tenues élégantes avec un petit budget.

Gerund phrase 'putting together'.

The whole outfit turned out to be a scam.

Toute l'affaire s'est avérée être une arnaque.

Phrasal verb 'turned out'.

They are a shady outfit that I wouldn't trust with my money.

C'est une organisation louche à qui je ne confierais pas mon argent.

Adjective 'shady' implies dishonesty.

The military outfit was deployed to the border last week.

L'unité militaire a été déployée à la frontière la semaine dernière.

'Military outfit' refers to a unit.

Her outfit was a bold statement of her artistic personality.

Sa tenue était une affirmation audacieuse de sa personnalité artistique.

Metaphorical use of 'statement'.

The small research outfit made a breakthrough in renewable energy.

La petite équipe de recherche a fait une percée dans les énergies renouvelables.

'Research outfit' emphasizes the specialized nature.

He donned a ridiculous outfit to amuse the children at the party.

Il a revêtu une tenue ridicule pour amuser les enfants à la fête.

Formal verb 'donned'.

The entire outfit was dismantled after the scandal came to light.

Toute l'organisation a été démantelée après que le scandale a éclaté.

Passive voice 'was dismantled'.

Her ensemble was more than just an outfit; it was a work of art.

Son ensemble était plus qu'une simple tenue ; c'était une œuvre d'art.

Comparison between 'ensemble' and 'outfit'.

The local political outfit is campaigning for better public transport.

Le groupement politique local fait campagne pour de meilleurs transports publics.

'Political outfit' refers to a small party or group.

They were outfitted by the best suppliers in the industry.

Ils ont été équipés par les meilleurs fournisseurs du secteur.

Verb 'outfit' used in a professional context.

The criminal outfit operated across several European countries.

L'organisation criminelle opérait dans plusieurs pays européens.

'Criminal outfit' is a synonym for a syndicate.

I appreciate the way you've coordinated your outfit with your accessories.

J'apprécie la façon dont vous avez coordonné votre tenue avec vos accessoires.

Present perfect 'have coordinated'.

The small-scale artisanal outfit prides itself on traditional methods.

Cette petite structure artisanale s'enorgueillit de ses méthodes traditionnelles.

Compound adjective 'small-scale artisanal'.

Her outfit, though understated, spoke volumes about her social status.

Sa tenue, bien que sobre, en disait long sur son statut social.

Idiom 'spoke volumes'.

The whole outfit was a front for a massive money-laundering operation.

Toute l'organisation n'était qu'une façade pour une vaste opération de blanchiment d'argent.

Noun 'front' meaning a cover.

He was meticulously outfitted for the polar expedition.

Il a été méticuleusement équipé pour l'expédition polaire.

Adverb 'meticulously' modifying 'outfitted'.

The lobbying outfit wields considerable influence in the capital.

Le groupe de pression exerce une influence considérable dans la capitale.

Verb 'wields' used with 'influence'.

The film's costume designer was praised for the historical accuracy of the outfits.

Le créateur de costumes du film a été félicité pour la précision historique des tenues.

Possessive 'film's'.

The whole outfit collapsed under the weight of its own bureaucracy.

Toute l'organisation s'est effondrée sous le poids de sa propre bureaucratie.

Metaphorical use of 'collapsed'.

She chose an outfit that balanced avant-garde style with practical utility.

Elle a choisi une tenue qui équilibrait le style avant-gardiste et l'utilité pratique.

Relative clause 'that balanced...'.

Collocations courantes

complete outfit

stylish outfit

small outfit

shady outfit

matching outfit

whole outfit

casual outfit

formal outfit

research outfit

military outfit

Phrases Courantes

outfit of the day

the whole outfit

a shady outfit

a fly-by-night outfit

to outfit someone with

a small-time outfit

a professional outfit

an independent outfit

a local outfit

a specialized outfit

Souvent confondu avec

outfit vs clothes

'Clothes' is uncountable plural; 'outfit' is a countable singular set.

outfit vs output

'Output' is the amount produced; 'outfit' is a set of clothes or a group.

outfit vs outlay

'Outlay' is an amount of money spent; 'outfit' is a group or clothes.

Expressions idiomatiques

"the whole outfit"

The entire group or the complete set of things.

If one person fails, the whole outfit fails.

neutral

"outfit someone for"

To prepare or equip someone for a specific task.

They outfitted him for the arctic expedition.

neutral

"a class outfit"

A group or person that shows high quality or style.

That law firm is a real class outfit.

informal

"run an outfit"

To manage or lead a group or business.

He's been running that outfit for ten years.

neutral

"part of the outfit"

Being a member of a specific group.

He's been part of the outfit since the beginning.

neutral

"the entire outfit"

Every person in the group.

The entire outfit was rewarded for their hard work.

neutral

"a ragtag outfit"

A group that is disorganized or made up of many different types of people.

The rebels were a ragtag outfit with little training.

informal

"a crack outfit"

An extremely skilled and efficient group.

The special forces are a crack outfit.

informal

"to fit out"

To provide with necessary equipment (related to the origin of outfit).

They are fitting out the new ship.

neutral

"all-in-one outfit"

A single garment that covers the whole body (like a jumpsuit).

She wore an all-in-one outfit to the disco.

casual

Facile à confondre

outfit vs ensemble

Both mean a set of clothes.

'Ensemble' is more formal and artistic, often used in high fashion.

The model wore a stunning ensemble.

outfit vs firm

Both can mean a business.

'Firm' is more professional and established; 'outfit' is smaller or more specialized.

She works for a top law firm.

outfit vs costume

Both are sets of clothes.

'Costume' is for acting, a party, or a specific historical period; 'outfit' is for daily life.

He wore a pirate costume.

outfit vs uniform

Both are sets of clothes.

A 'uniform' is the same for everyone in a group; an 'outfit' is personal and unique.

The police officer wore his uniform.

outfit vs gear

Both can mean equipment.

'Gear' is more informal and often refers to tools or sports equipment; 'outfit' is more about clothes or a group.

Don't forget your camping gear.

Structures de phrases

I like your [adjective] outfit.

I like your red outfit.

She bought a new outfit for [event].

She bought a new outfit for the party.

They run a small [type] outfit.

They run a small design outfit.

He was outfitted with [equipment].

He was outfitted with all the gear.

The [adjective] outfit was responsible for [action].

The intelligence outfit was responsible for the report.

Her outfit was a [metaphor] of [quality].

Her outfit was a testament to her elegance.

It's hard to find the right outfit for [occasion].

It's hard to find the right outfit for a job interview.

The whole outfit is [action].

The whole outfit is celebrating the success.

Famille de mots

Noms

Verbes

Adjectifs

Apparenté

Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Very common in both spoken and written English.

Erreurs courantes

I like your outfits (referring to one set). → I like your outfit.
Use singular 'outfit' for one set of clothes.
He is wearing a new clothes. → He is wearing a new outfit.
'Clothes' cannot be used with 'a'.
The outfit are very successful. → The outfit is very successful.
'Outfit' is a singular collective noun.
I need to buy a clothing. → I need to buy an outfit.
'Clothing' is uncountable.
She outfitted herself for the party. → She got dressed for the party.
'Outfit' as a verb is usually for equipment, not daily dressing.

Astuces

Complimenting

Saying 'I love your outfit' is a very safe and kind compliment in English.

Articles

Always remember 'an' before 'outfit' because it starts with a vowel sound.

Small Groups

Use 'outfit' to describe a small, cool new company to sound more natural.

Variety

Don't just say 'clothes' every time; use 'outfit' to show you mean a coordinated set.

Social Media

Use #OOTD if you want to share your outfit online; everyone will understand it.

Synonyms

Learn 'ensemble' for formal fashion and 'firm' for formal business.

Stress

Keep the stress on the first part: OUT-fit.

Occasions

Always specify the occasion, like 'a wedding outfit' or 'a gym outfit'.

The Whole Outfit

Use 'the whole outfit' when you want to talk about everyone in a group.

Coordination

Remember that an outfit implies things match or go together.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'OUT' and 'FIT'. You are going OUT, so you need clothes that FIT together. That's your OUTFIT.

Association visuelle

Imagine a complete set of clothes laid out on a bed, including shoes and a hat. This complete picture is the outfit.

Word Web

clothes team business style ensemble group equipment uniform

Défi

Describe three different outfits you wear for different activities (e.g., gym, work, party) using at least two adjectives for each.

Origine du mot

The word 'outfit' emerged in the mid-18th century, originally meaning the act of 'fitting out' a ship for a voyage. It combined 'out' and 'fit'.

Sens originel : The equipment or provisions for a journey or expedition.

Germanic (English)

Contexte culturel

Generally a safe and neutral word. Be careful when calling a professional company an 'outfit' as it might sound too casual.

In the US and UK, 'outfit' is very common. In Australia, it is also frequently used for groups of people.

The movie 'The Outfit' (2022) refers to a criminal organization. #OOTD (Outfit of the Day) on Instagram. The 'Chicago Outfit' was a famous organized crime syndicate.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Fashion

stylish outfit
complete the outfit
outfit of the day
matching outfit

Business

small outfit
professional outfit
independent outfit
shady outfit

Social Events

wedding outfit
party outfit
formal outfit
casual outfit

Sports/Hobbies

gym outfit
hiking outfit
sports outfit
fishing outfit

Military/Police

intelligence outfit
military outfit
rescue outfit
security outfit

Amorces de conversation

"I really like your outfit today! Where did you buy it?"

"What kind of outfit are you planning to wear for the wedding next week?"

"Have you ever worked for a small, independent outfit before?"

"Do you think it's important to have a specific outfit for every occasion?"

"How long does it usually take you to pick out your outfit in the morning?"

Sujets d'écriture

Describe your favorite outfit and explain why it makes you feel good.

Write about a time you wore an inappropriate outfit for an event.

If you were to start a small business outfit, what would it be and why?

Discuss the importance of first impressions and how an outfit plays a role.

Compare the two meanings of 'outfit' and how they might be related historically.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, 'clothes' is always plural and uncountable. You should say 'an outfit' or 'some clothes'.

It is neutral. It's fine for daily talk and most business contexts, but 'ensemble' or 'firm' might be used in very formal settings.

It refers to a company or group that seems dishonest, suspicious, or illegal.

Yes, it means to provide someone with equipment or clothes, like 'to outfit an expedition'.

The plural is 'outfits'.

Yes, it is a gender-neutral term used for anyone's set of clothes.

It's better not to. 'Outfit' usually implies a smaller, more specialized group. Use 'corporation' or 'company' for giants like Google.

An outfitter is a person or shop that sells equipment and clothes for outdoor activities like hunting or hiking.

Yes, an outfit usually refers to the complete look, including shoes and accessories.

In modern slang, yes, young people often say 'fit' instead of 'outfit'.