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A1 noun #2,907 le plus courant 7 min de lecture

sweater

At the A1 level, a 'sweater' is simply a warm piece of clothing. You learn that you wear it when it is cold. It has long sleeves. You can say 'I have a blue sweater' or 'My sweater is warm.' It is a basic word for clothes, like 'shirt' or 'pants.' You use it to talk about what you are wearing today. For example, 'It is cold today. I am wearing a sweater.' You might also learn colors with this word, such as 'a red sweater' or 'a green sweater.' The focus is on the object itself and its basic function of keeping you warm.
At the A2 level, you can describe the sweater more. You might talk about the material, like 'a wool sweater' or 'a cotton sweater.' You can use more verbs, like 'put on' or 'take off.' For example, 'Put on your sweater before you go outside.' You also start to understand the difference between a sweater and a jacket. You might talk about buying a sweater at a shop: 'How much is this sweater?' or 'Do you have this sweater in a large size?' You can also describe the fit, like 'This sweater is too big' or 'This sweater is very comfortable.'
At the B1 level, you use 'sweater' in more complex sentences and contexts. You might discuss fashion preferences or the weather in more detail. For example, 'I prefer wearing sweaters made of natural fibers because they are more breathable.' You can talk about the style of the sweater, such as a 'V-neck sweater' or a 'turtleneck.' You also start to use the word in the context of care and maintenance: 'You should wash that wool sweater by hand so it doesn't shrink.' You can participate in conversations about what to pack for a trip: 'Make sure to bring a light sweater for the evenings.'
At the B2 level, you can use 'sweater' to discuss broader topics like sustainable fashion or cultural trends. You might say, 'The trend of wearing oversized sweaters has returned this season.' You can use more sophisticated vocabulary to describe the texture and quality: 'The intricate cable-knit pattern on this sweater is quite impressive.' You understand idiomatic expressions like 'sweater weather' and can use them naturally in conversation. You can also compare different types of knitwear effectively, explaining why a cardigan might be more versatile than a pullover for layering in fluctuating temperatures.
At the C1 level, your use of 'sweater' is nuanced and precise. You might discuss the technical aspects of its construction, such as 'gauge,' 'ply,' or 'tension.' You can talk about the history and heritage of specific styles, like the 'Aran sweater' or 'Fair Isle patterns,' and their significance in textile history. You can use the word in professional or academic contexts related to the fashion industry: 'The designer's collection challenged the traditional silhouette of the sweater, utilizing deconstructed elements and mixed-media fabrics.' You are comfortable using the word in metaphors or complex descriptions of atmosphere and mood.
At the C2 level, 'sweater' can be used with complete mastery in any context, including literary or highly technical discussions. You might analyze the symbolic use of a sweater in a piece of literature to represent domesticity or vulnerability. You can discuss the global supply chain of cashmere production and its environmental impact. Your vocabulary includes very specific terms like 'boiled wool,' 'merino,' 'angora,' and 'pilling.' You can articulate subtle differences in register, knowing exactly when to use 'knitwear' versus 'sweater' to achieve a specific rhetorical effect. Your command of the word is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker.
Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

sweater en 30 secondes

  • A sweater is a knitted upper-body garment designed for warmth.
  • It is commonly made from wool, cotton, or synthetic materials.
  • Styles include pullovers, cardigans, V-necks, and turtlenecks.
  • Known as a 'jumper' in British English and 'sweater' in American English.

At its core, a sweater is a knitted garment intended to cover the torso and arms. Historically rooted in the functional needs of laborers and sailors, it has evolved into a cornerstone of modern fashion. The term 'sweater' is predominantly North American, while other regions might use terms like 'jumper' or 'pullover'. The primary function of a sweater is thermoregulation; it traps a layer of air close to the body, which is then warmed by body heat. This makes it an indispensable item for temperate and cold climates.

Etymological Root
Derived from the verb 'to sweat,' originally used in the late 19th century to describe heavy garments worn by athletes to induce sweating and lose weight.
Material Composition
Commonly made from sheep's wool, cashmere, cotton, or synthetic blends like acrylic and polyester to balance warmth and durability.
Structural Variety
Includes various necklines such as crew neck, V-neck, turtleneck (roll-neck), and cardigan styles with open fronts.

'She pulled on a thick, cable-knit sweater before heading out into the brisk autumn morning.'

— Example of functional usage in literature

The versatility of the sweater lies in its construction. Unlike woven shirts, sweaters are knitted, which allows for elasticity and breathability. This mechanical stretch ensures that the garment moves with the wearer, providing comfort that structured jackets often lack. In professional settings, a fine-gauge merino sweater can replace a blazer, offering a 'smart-casual' aesthetic that is increasingly popular in modern corporate environments.

'The oversized sweater trend dominated the winter fashion week, emphasizing comfort over silhouette.'

Furthermore, the sweater serves as a canvas for cultural expression. From the intricate patterns of the Fair Isle technique to the rugged durability of the Aran fisherman's knit, sweaters often carry the heritage of the communities that first created them. Each stitch pattern can represent different meanings, such as luck, health, or specific family lineages in traditional Irish knitting.

'He inherited his grandfather's wool sweater, a garment that had survived decades of harsh winters.'

'The vibrant colors of the hand-dyed sweater brightened the gloomy rainy day.'

Maintenance
Requires careful washing, often hand-washing or dry cleaning, to prevent 'pilling' or shrinking in high heat.

'The child's sweater was covered in festive reindeer patterns for the holiday party.'

Using the word 'sweater' correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as a countable noun and its typical collocations. You don't just 'have' a sweater; you 'wear,' 'don,' 'sport,' or 'layer' it. The word is frequently modified by adjectives describing its texture (soft, scratchy, fuzzy), its weight (chunky, lightweight, fine-knit), or its fit (oversized, fitted, cropped).

Verb Pairings
Common verbs include: knit, crochet, wash, fold, stretch, and shrink.

In a sentence, 'sweater' usually functions as the object of an action. For example, 'I am knitting a sweater' or 'She folded her sweaters neatly.' It can also act as a subject: 'This sweater feels very soft against the skin.' When describing the act of putting one on, 'pull on' or 'slip into' are more descriptive than just 'put on.'

'To achieve a classic look, pair a navy sweater with a white collared shirt underneath.'

Contextually, sweaters are associated with specific seasons. You will rarely hear the word used in the peak of summer unless referring to air-conditioned environments. The term 'sweater weather' has become a popular idiom to describe the crisp, cool days of autumn when a light layer is necessary but a heavy coat is too much.

When discussing fashion, 'sweater' is often used to categorize a whole range of knitwear. You might specify the type of sweater to be more precise. A 'cardigan' is a sweater that opens at the front, while a 'pullover' is exactly what it sounds like—a sweater you pull over your head. Understanding these nuances helps in providing clear descriptions.

'The wool sweater was so itchy that he had to wear a long-sleeved tee underneath.'

The word 'sweater' is ubiquitous in daily life, particularly in regions with distinct seasonal changes. You will hear it in retail environments, where sales associates might ask, 'Are you looking for a specific style of sweater today?' or 'This cashmere sweater is currently on sale.' In these contexts, the word is often associated with luxury, comfort, and seasonal transitions.

Weather Forecasts
Meteorologists often use the term: 'It's going to be a bit chilly today, so don't forget your sweater.'

In domestic settings, the word is part of the morning routine. Parents might tell their children, 'Put on your sweater before you go to school.' It also appears frequently in the context of laundry and home organization. 'Did you put the wool sweaters in the dryer? I hope not, they might shrink!' is a common household lament.

'The fashion commentator noted that the designer's new line featured deconstructed sweaters with asymmetrical hems.'

Pop culture also embraces the sweater. From the iconic 'ugly Christmas sweater' parties to the 'sweater vest' associated with academic or nerdy characters in films, the garment carries various social connotations. In music, songs like Weezer's 'Undone – The Sweater Song' use the garment as a metaphor for emotional unraveling, showing how the word transcends its literal meaning.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is confusing 'sweater' with 'sweatshirt.' While both are worn on the upper body for warmth, they are made of different materials. A sweater is knitted (usually from yarn), whereas a sweatshirt is made of heavy jersey fabric (fleece-lined cotton). Calling a hoodie a 'sweater' is technically incorrect in a fashion context, though some people use the terms loosely.

Spelling Error
Learners sometimes spell it 'sweter' or 'sweeter.' Remember the root word is 'sweat.'

Another common error involves the distinction between 'sweater' and 'jacket.' A sweater is typically a mid-layer or a light outer layer made of knit fabric, while a jacket is usually a structured outer layer made of woven fabric, often designed to be windproof or waterproof. You wouldn't usually wear a sweater as your only protection in a rainstorm.

'Incorrect: I am wearing a sweater to stay dry in the rain. Correct: I am wearing a raincoat over my sweater.'

Regional variations also cause confusion. If you are in London and ask for a 'sweater,' people will understand you, but they will likely call it a 'jumper.' Conversely, if you are in New York and ask for a 'jumper,' people might think you are looking for a sleeveless dress worn over a blouse (a pinafore).

The world of knitwear is vast, and several words are closely related to 'sweater.' Understanding these synonyms and near-synonyms will help you describe clothing more accurately. The most direct synonym is 'pullover,' which specifically refers to a sweater that has no buttons and must be pulled over the head. 'Jumper' is the primary equivalent in British English.

Cardigan
A type of sweater that opens at the front, usually fastened with buttons or a zipper.
Jersey
Often used in the UK to refer to a sweater, or globally to refer to a sports shirt made of knitted fabric.

'Knitwear' is a broader category that includes sweaters, scarves, hats, and any other garment made by knitting. If you want to sound more sophisticated, you might use 'knit' as a noun, as in 'That's a lovely chunky knit you're wearing.' For very thin sweaters, the term 'fine-gauge' is often used by fashion enthusiasts.

'While a sweater is casual, a cashmere cardigan can be quite formal.'

On the more casual side, we have 'sweatshirts' and 'hoodies.' While not technically sweaters, they serve a similar purpose. A 'turtleneck' or 'roll-neck' is a specific style of sweater with a high collar that covers the neck. In Australia, you might even hear the term 'sloppy joe' for a loose, casual sweater.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

""

Informel

""

Argot

""

Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Exemples par niveau

1

I have a red sweater.

J'ai un pull rouge.

Use 'a' before 'red sweater'.

2

Is your sweater warm?

Ton pull est-il chaud ?

Question form with 'is'.

3

She wears a blue sweater.

Elle porte un pull bleu.

Present simple third person 'wears'.

4

My sweater is new.

Mon pull est neuf.

Possessive adjective 'my'.

5

I like your sweater.

J'aime ton pull.

Verb 'like' + object.

6

The sweater is on the bed.

Le pull est sur le lit.

Preposition 'on'.

7

It is cold, wear a sweater.

Il fait froid, porte un pull.

Imperative 'wear'.

8

This is a small sweater.

C'est un petit pull.

Demonstrative 'this'.

1

I bought a wool sweater yesterday.

J'ai acheté un pull en laine hier.

Past simple 'bought'.

2

Can I try on this sweater?

Puis-je essayer ce pull ?

Phrasal verb 'try on'.

3

This sweater is cheaper than that one.

Ce pull est moins cher que celui-là.

Comparative 'cheaper than'.

4

He took off his sweater because it was hot.

Il a enlevé son pull parce qu'il faisait chaud.

Phrasal verb 'take off'.

5

Do you have this sweater in green?

Avez-vous ce pull en vert ?

Preposition 'in' for color.

6

I need a warm sweater for my trip.

J'ai besoin d'un pull chaud pour mon voyage.

Verb 'need' + object.

7

She is knitting a sweater for her cat.

Elle tricote un pull pour son chat.

Present continuous 'is knitting'.

8

My mom washed my favorite sweater.

Ma mère a lavé mon pull préféré.

Past simple 'washed'.

1

I prefer cotton sweaters because wool makes me itchy.

Je préfère les pulls en coton car la laine me démange.

Conjunction 'because' for reason.

2

If it gets colder, I'll put on a sweater.

S'il fait plus froid, je mettrai un pull.

First conditional.

3

This sweater is made of high-quality cashmere.

Ce pull est fait de cachemire de haute qualité.

Passive voice 'is made of'.

4

She was wearing a bright yellow sweater so I could find her easily.

Elle portait un pull jaune vif pour que je puisse la trouver facilement.

Purpose clause 'so'.

5

I've had this sweater since I was in high school.

J'ai ce pull depuis que j'étais au lycée.

Present perfect with 'since'.

6

You should fold your sweaters instead of hanging them.

Tu devrais plier tes pulls au lieu de les suspendre.

Modal 'should' for advice.

7

The sweater I bought last week has already started to pill.

Le pull que j'ai acheté la semaine dernière a déjà commencé à boulocher.

Relative clause.

8

It's definitely sweater weather today!

C'est vraiment un temps à pulls aujourd'hui !

Idiomatic expression.

1

Despite the price, the cashmere sweater was a worthwhile investment.

Malgré le prix, le pull en cachemire était un investissement rentable.

Concession with 'Despite'.

2

The oversized sweater trend seems to be gaining popularity again.

La tendance des pulls surdimensionnés semble regagner en popularité.

Verb 'seems' + infinitive.

3

I accidentally shrank my wool sweater by putting it in the dryer.

J'ai accidentellement fait rétrécir mon pull en laine en le mettant au sèche-linge.

Gerund after 'by'.

4

The intricate patterns on the sweater are characteristic of Fair Isle knitting.

Les motifs complexes du pull sont caractéristiques du tricot Fair Isle.

Adjective 'characteristic of'.

5

He opted for a lightweight sweater rather than a heavy coat.

Il a opté pour un pull léger plutôt qu'un manteau lourd.

Phrase 'rather than'.

6

This sweater is surprisingly versatile; it goes with almost anything.

Ce pull est étonnamment polyvalent ; il va avec presque tout.

Adverb 'surprisingly'.

7

The sweater's texture is quite coarse compared to merino wool.

La texture du pull est assez rugueuse par rapport à la laine mérinos.

Comparison with 'compared to'.

8

I'm looking for a sweater that is both stylish and functional.

Je cherche un pull qui soit à la fois élégant et fonctionnel.

Correlative conjunction 'both... and'.

1

The artisan explained the meticulous process of hand-dyeing the wool for the sweaters.

L'artisan a expliqué le processus méticuleux de teinture à la main de la laine pour les pulls.

Complex sentence structure.

2

Her wardrobe consists primarily of neutral-toned sweaters made from sustainable sources.

Sa garde-robe se compose principalement de pulls aux tons neutres provenant de sources durables.

Verb 'consists of'.

3

The sweater served as a poignant reminder of her childhood in the mountains.

Le pull servait de rappel poignant de son enfance à la montagne.

Metaphorical usage.

4

The resurgence of traditional knitting techniques has brought the Aran sweater back into the spotlight.

La résurgence des techniques de tricot traditionnelles a remis le pull d'Aran sur le devant de la scène.

Present perfect for recent trends.

5

One must be cautious when laundering delicate knits to avoid compromising the integrity of the fibers.

Il faut être prudent lors du lavage des tricots délicats pour éviter de compromettre l'intégrité des fibres.

Formal 'one' and 'must'.

6

The sweater's silhouette was intentionally distorted to create a more avant-garde aesthetic.

La silhouette du pull a été intentionnellement déformée pour créer une esthétique plus avant-gardiste.

Adverbial modification.

7

The tactile quality of the sweater is enhanced by the inclusion of silk threads.

La qualité tactile du pull est rehaussée par l'inclusion de fils de soie.

Passive voice with 'enhanced by'.

8

He wore the tattered sweater as a badge of honor, signifying years of hard labor.

Il portait le pull en lambeaux comme un insigne d'honneur, signifiant des années de dur labeur.

Participial phrase 'signifying...'.

1

The protagonist's unraveling sweater mirrored the gradual disintegration of his social standing.

Le pull qui s'effilochait du protagoniste reflétait la désintégration progressive de son statut social.

Literary symbolism.

2

The exhibition traced the evolution of the sweater from a utilitarian garment to a symbol of high fashion.

L'exposition retraçait l'évolution du pull, d'un vêtement utilitaire à un symbole de la haute couture.

Parallel structure 'from... to...'.

3

The sheer opulence of the diamond-encrusted sweater was met with both awe and derision.

L'opulence pure du pull incrusté de diamants a été accueillie à la fois par l'admiration et la dérision.

Noun phrase 'sheer opulence'.

4

To describe the garment merely as a 'sweater' would be to overlook its complex architectural construction.

Décrire le vêtement simplement comme un 'pull' reviendrait à ignorer sa construction architecturale complexe.

Subjunctive mood/Conditional structure.

5

The sweater's moth-eaten appearance was a deliberate stylistic choice by the costume designer.

L'aspect mité du pull était un choix stylistique délibéré du chef costumier.

Compound adjective 'moth-eaten'.

6

The tactile dissonance between the rough wool sweater and the silk lining was a sensory delight.

La dissonance tactile entre le pull en laine rugueuse et la doublure en soie était un délice sensoriel.

Abstract noun 'dissonance'.

7

The sweater's hue was a subtle mélange of indigo and charcoal, shifting under different lighting conditions.

La teinte du pull était un mélange subtil d'indigo et de fusain, changeant selon les conditions d'éclairage.

Technical color terminology.

8

The pervasive influence of the 'ugly sweater' phenomenon reflects a contemporary penchant for ironic nostalgia.

L'influence omniprésente du phénomène du 'pull moche' reflète un penchant contemporain pour la nostalgie ironique.

Sophisticated vocabulary and analysis.

Synonymes

jumper pullover cardigan jersey knitwear

Antonymes

t-shirt tank top

Collocations courantes

wool sweater
cashmere sweater
wear a sweater
knit a sweater
oversized sweater
chunky sweater
v-neck sweater
turtleneck sweater
sweater weather
tight sweater

Phrases Courantes

put on a sweater

take off a sweater

a cozy sweater

an itchy sweater

a Christmas sweater

layer a sweater

fold a sweater

shrink a sweater

hand-knit sweater

lightweight sweater

Souvent confondu avec

sweater vs sweatshirt

sweater vs jacket

sweater vs cardigan

Expressions idiomatiques

""

Weather that is cool enough to require a sweater but not a heavy coat.

""

To sweat profusely (related to the root word 'sweat').

""

To fall apart or fail quickly and completely.

""

A sweater with a gaudy, often humorous holiday-themed design.

""

A common knitting pattern used to make sweaters.

""

Protected or pampered (often referring to the warmth of a sweater).

""

Unresolved details (metaphor from knitting).

""

Unchanging in one's beliefs (originating from the process of dyeing wool before spinning it into yarn for sweaters).

""

To deceive someone.

""

Closely integrated (like the stitches of a good sweater).

Facile à confondre

sweater vs

sweater vs

sweater vs

sweater vs

sweater vs

Structures de phrases

Comment l'utiliser

fit

Sweaters can be 'fitted' or 'oversized'.

care

Always check the label before washing a sweater.

material

Wool is warm but can be itchy; cotton is breathable.

Erreurs courantes
  • Saying 'I wear sweater' instead of 'I am wearing a sweater'.
  • Confusing 'sweater' with 'sweeter' (the taste).
  • Using 'sweater' for a light t-shirt.
  • Thinking all sweaters must have buttons.
  • Washing wool in hot water.

Astuces

Layering

Wear a collared shirt under a V-neck sweater for a professional look.

Drying

Never hang a wet sweater; lay it flat to dry so it doesn't lose its shape.

Materials

Check the tag for natural fibers like cotton or wool for better quality.

Folding

Fold your sweaters instead of hanging them to prevent 'hanger bumps' on the shoulders.

Itchiness

Merino wool is much softer and less itchy than standard sheep's wool.

Oversized

Pair an oversized sweater with slim-fit pants for a balanced silhouette.

Parties

Don't take 'Ugly Christmas Sweater' parties too seriously; the crazier the better!

Packing

Roll your sweaters to save space in your suitcase and prevent wrinkles.

Snags

If you get a snag, pull the thread through to the inside of the sweater rather than cutting it.

Pilling

Use a fabric shaver to remove pills and make your old sweater look new again.

Mémorise-le

Origine du mot

English

Contexte culturel

Called a 'jumper'. 'Sweater' is understood but sounds American.

Commonly called a sweater; associated with fall fashion and 'sweater weather'.

The 'Ugly Christmas Sweater' trend is now a worldwide phenomenon.

Famous for Aran sweaters with complex cable patterns.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"That's a lovely sweater! Where did you get it?"

"Is it cold enough for a sweater today?"

"Do you prefer wool or cotton sweaters?"

"Have you ever tried to knit a sweater yourself?"

"What's your favorite color for a winter sweater?"

Sujets d'écriture

Describe your favorite sweater. Why do you like it?

Write about a time you were very cold and finally put on a warm sweater.

If you could design a sweater, what would it look like?

Discuss the pros and cons of wool versus synthetic sweaters.

How does 'sweater weather' make you feel?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

They are the same thing. 'Sweater' is used in American English, and 'jumper' is used in British English.

It is risky. Most wool sweaters should be hand-washed or washed on a very gentle cycle to avoid shrinking.

It refers to the cool temperatures of autumn when it is perfect to wear a sweater.

It was originally worn by athletes to make them sweat and lose weight during training.

A cardigan is a sweater that opens at the front with buttons or a zipper.

Pilling is when small balls of fiber form on the surface of a sweater after wear.

Technically, no. A hoodie is usually a sweatshirt with a hood, while a sweater is knitted.

Wool, especially cashmere or alpaca wool, is considered very warm.

You can wear a long-sleeved shirt underneath or try washing it with a special softener.

Yes, cardigans are a popular and stylish choice for both men and women.

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