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B1 noun #3 most common 13 min read

costumes

Top 3

At the Beginner (A1) level, you should know that 'costumes' are special clothes for fun. Children wear costumes for parties or on Halloween. For example, a child might wear a dinosaur costume or a princess costume. You use this word when you talk about dressing up as someone else. It is different from 'clothes' because you do not wear costumes to school or to the supermarket every day. You only wear them for special times. Think of 'costumes' as 'pretend clothes.' When you see a movie, the actors are wearing costumes. If you go to a party and everyone is dressed like a pirate, they are wearing costumes. It is a plural word, so we add 's' at the end when there is more than one. One costume, two costumes. You can say 'I like your costume' to a friend at a party. It is a happy word used for play and celebrations. You might also see costumes in a circus or a parade. The colors are usually very bright and the shapes are often funny. Learning this word helps you talk about your favorite characters and holiday traditions.

At the Elementary (A2) level, 'costumes' refers to the specific outfits people wear to represent a character or a role. You will often hear this word in the context of school plays or festivals. For instance, 'The students are making their own costumes for the play.' This shows that costumes are something you can create or buy. At this level, you can start to use adjectives with the word, such as 'funny costumes,' 'scary costumes,' or 'beautiful costumes.' You should also understand that 'costumes' is the plural form of 'costume.' If you go to a shop in October, you will see many Halloween costumes for sale. It is also useful to know that 'costume' can sometimes be used as a describing word, like in 'costume party.' This means a party where everyone must wear a costume. You might say, 'I am going to a costume party as a superhero.' Understanding 'costumes' helps you describe events and hobbies. It is a count noun, so you can say 'How many costumes do you have?' or 'There are three costumes in the box.' This word is very common in stories about magic, history, and theater.

At the Intermediate (B1) level, you understand that 'costumes' are not just for fun but are an essential part of the performing arts and cultural expression. You can use the word to discuss theater, cinema, and historical contexts. For example, 'The period costumes in the film were historically accurate.' This level involves using more complex verbs like 'design,' 'rent,' or 'rehearse in.' You recognize that costumes help actors transform into their characters. You also start to see the difference between 'costumes' and 'uniforms' or 'traditional dress.' A costume is for a performance or a temporary disguise, while a uniform is for a job. You might also encounter the word in news reports about large-scale events like the Rio Carnival, where 'elaborate costumes' are a major attraction. At B1, you should be careful not to confuse 'costumes' with 'customs' (traditions). You can also use the word in the context of 'cosplay,' which is a popular hobby involving making and wearing costumes from movies or games. You might say, 'She spent months sewing her costumes for the convention.' This word is key for discussing culture, media, and personal creativity.

At the Upper Intermediate (B2) level, you can use 'costumes' with greater precision and in more professional contexts. You might discuss the 'costume department' of a film production or the 'costume designer's' creative process. You understand that costumes are a form of visual communication that conveys a character's social class, psychological state, and evolution throughout a story. For example, 'The protagonist's costumes become darker and more tattered as the film progresses, reflecting his internal struggle.' You are comfortable using the word in academic or critical discussions about literature and drama. You also recognize regional differences, such as the British use of 'swimming costume' versus the American 'swimsuit.' You can use 'costumes' metaphorically to describe the 'social costumes' or roles people play in society, though this is more advanced. You are aware of the nuances of 'costume' versus 'fancy dress' and can choose the appropriate term for your audience. Your vocabulary includes collocations like 'authentic costumes,' 'lavish costumes,' and 'period-accurate costumes.' You can explain the cultural significance of costumes in various global festivals and how they contribute to a sense of community and identity.

At the Advanced (C1) level, you possess a nuanced understanding of 'costumes' as both a physical object and a conceptual tool. You can analyze how costumes function within the semiotics of a performance, contributing to the overall aesthetic and thematic depth of a work. You might discuss the 'authenticity' of costumes in historical dramas and how they influence the audience's immersion. For instance, 'The meticulous attention to detail in the 18th-century costumes lent a profound sense of realism to the production.' You are also aware of the sociopolitical implications of costumes, such as the debate over 'cultural appropriation' versus 'appreciation' in costume choices. You can use the word in complex sentence structures and in combination with sophisticated vocabulary. You might explore the history of 'costume' as a term, tracing its roots and its evolution in the English language. You are capable of writing detailed reviews of plays or films where the 'costume design' is a primary focus. Your understanding extends to the technical aspects of costume making, such as 'fabric manipulation' and 'silhouette creation.' You can engage in high-level discussions about the role of costumes in identity construction and the performative nature of gender and social roles.

At the Proficiency (C2) level, you have complete mastery over the word 'costumes' and its various connotations. You can use it with absolute precision in any context, from casual conversation to highly specialized academic discourse. You might explore the philosophical dimensions of 'costumes'—how the garments we wear, whether for a stage or for daily life, act as a 'second skin' that shapes our interactions with the world. You can discuss the evolution of costume design as an art form, referencing influential designers and historical shifts in style. Your vocabulary includes rare and archaic synonyms like 'accoutrements' or 'vestments' when appropriate for the register. You can analyze the 'costume' of a literary character as a symbolic extension of their psyche, using the word to delve into deep literary analysis. For example, 'The character's refusal to shed his ceremonial costumes even in private signifies his total subsumption by his public persona.' You are also adept at using the word in witty or ironic ways, playing with the boundary between 'costume' and 'reality.' You understand the intricate relationship between costumes, fashion, and social history, and you can articulate these connections with eloquence and sophistication. The word 'costumes' is, for you, a gateway to discussing the complexities of human representation and the art of transformation.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

costumes in 30 Seconds

Costumes are specialized outfits used for transformation and performance in theater, film, and social events like Halloween.
The word is a count noun, almost always used in its plural form when referring to multiple outfits or a collection.
Key contexts include the performing arts, historical reenactments, seasonal festivals, and the modern hobby of cosplay.
It is distinct from 'uniforms' (for jobs) and 'customs' (for traditions), focusing specifically on the act of disguise or representation.

The word costumes refers to specialized sets of clothing, accessories, and often makeup or masks used to transform an individual's appearance into that of a specific character, historical figure, animal, or abstract concept. Unlike everyday attire, which is chosen for comfort, utility, or social conformity, costumes are inherently performative. They serve as a visual language that communicates identity, narrative, and context within a structured setting such as a theater, a film set, a festival, or a themed social gathering. When we speak of costumes, we are discussing the art of disguise and the intentional adoption of an external persona. This term is most frequently encountered in the worlds of performing arts, seasonal celebrations like Halloween or Carnival, and historical reenactments.

Theatrical Context: In the theater, costumes are essential tools for storytelling. They help the audience immediately identify a character's social status, personality, and the time period in which the play is set. A costume designer works meticulously to ensure that every fabric choice and color palette aligns with the director's vision.

The lead actor spent three hours in the dressing room while the crew helped him into his elaborate Victorian costumes.

Beyond the stage, costumes play a pivotal role in cultural traditions. During Halloween in North America or Carnival in Brazil and Venice, costumes allow ordinary people to step outside their daily lives and experiment with different identities. In these contexts, the word suggests a sense of playfulness and communal celebration. It is important to distinguish costumes from uniforms; while both involve specific clothing, a uniform typically denotes a professional role or membership in an organization, whereas a costume denotes a creative or temporary transformation. For example, a police officer wears a uniform to work, but an actor playing a police officer wears a costume.

Historical Reenactment: History enthusiasts often wear period-accurate costumes to recreate famous battles or eras. These garments are often called 'period costumes' to emphasize their chronological accuracy.

The museum staff wore traditional colonial costumes to make the exhibit feel more authentic for the visiting students.

In the film industry, the term is used in the 'Costume Department,' which is responsible for everything from the protagonist's heroic suit to the background extras' clothing. The word can also be used in a more abstract sense to describe the 'costumes' of everyday life—the way people dress to project a certain image, though this is a more metaphorical and less common usage. Generally, if you are talking about clothes for a party, a play, or a movie, 'costumes' is the correct and most descriptive term to use.

Children often love to play dress-up, putting on various costumes to pretend they are pirates, princesses, or astronauts.

Cosplay Culture: The modern phenomenon of cosplay involves fans creating highly detailed costumes based on characters from anime, video games, and comic books.

The convention center was filled with thousands of fans wearing incredibly creative costumes.

Winning the award for best costumes is a high honor for any film production designer.

Using the word costumes correctly requires an understanding of its role as a plural count noun. It typically functions as the direct object of verbs like 'wear,' 'design,' 'create,' 'rent,' or 'sew.' Because costumes are often complex, they are frequently described with adjectives that indicate their style, era, or quality. Common descriptors include 'elaborate,' 'period,' 'colorful,' 'scary,' 'authentic,' and 'theatrical.' When you are talking about a group of people all dressed up, you use the plural form to refer to the collective variety of outfits present.

Verb Pairings: Verbs like 'don' (to put on) or 'discard' (to take off) are often used in more formal or literary descriptions of actors handling their costumes.

The performers had to quickly change their costumes during the short intermission between the first and second acts.

In terms of prepositions, we often say someone is 'in costume' (singular usage for a state of being) or 'wearing costumes' (plural for the items themselves). You might also hear 'costumes for' a specific event, such as 'costumes for the school play' or 'costumes for the masquerade ball.' When discussing the creation of these items, the phrase 'costume design' is a standard compound noun used to describe the professional field. In sentences, 'costumes' usually occupies the position of the thing being acted upon or the subject of a sentence describing a visual scene.

Adjective Agreement: When describing multiple costumes, ensure your adjectives reflect the variety. For example, 'The costumes were diverse and imaginative.'

All the costumes used in the movie were hand-stitched to ensure they looked perfect on the high-definition screen.

Another common way to use 'costumes' is in the context of a 'costume party.' Here, the word acts as a modifier for 'party.' You might say, 'We are going to a costume party tonight, so we need to find some funny costumes.' In this sentence, the first 'costume' is singular because it's part of the compound noun for the event, while the second 'costumes' is plural because it refers to the actual clothes you and your friends will wear. This distinction is subtle but important for natural-sounding English.

The store specializes in renting out high-quality costumes for corporate events and private celebrations.

Collective Nouns: Sometimes 'wardrobe' is used as a collective noun for all the costumes in a production, but 'costumes' remains the more direct term for the individual pieces.

The theater's basement is packed with costumes from decades of past performances.

Do you think these costumes are too warm for an outdoor summer festival?

You will encounter the word costumes in a variety of professional and social environments. One of the most common places is in the entertainment industry. If you watch 'behind-the-scenes' footage of a movie, you will inevitably hear actors and directors discussing the 'costumes.' They might talk about how the costumes help them get into character or how heavy the costumes are under the bright studio lights. Award shows like the Oscars or the Tonys have specific categories for 'Best Costume Design,' making the word a staple of red-carpet commentary and artistic critique.

Seasonal Retail: During the month of October, the word 'costumes' is everywhere in retail. Signs in shop windows, online advertisements, and television commercials all focus on selling the latest Halloween costumes.

The local pop-up shop has a massive selection of superhero costumes for both kids and adults.

In educational settings, teachers and parents use the word frequently when organizing school plays, talent shows, or historical 'living museum' projects. You might hear a teacher say, 'Please remember to bring your costumes in a labeled bag by Friday.' In this context, the word is associated with childhood creativity and the excitement of school events. Similarly, in the world of dance, 'costumes' is the standard term for the outfits worn during a recital. Dancers often have multiple costumes for different routines, and the logistics of changing between them is a common topic of conversation backstage.

News and Media: News reports about festivals like Rio's Carnival or London's Notting Hill Carnival frequently use 'costumes' to describe the spectacular, feathered outfits worn by parade participants.

The news anchor commented on the vibrant costumes that filled the streets during the annual parade.

Social media is another huge platform where 'costumes' is a trending keyword, especially around holidays or major fan conventions like Comic-Con. Influencers and 'cosplayers' post photos and videos of their 'costume reveals,' detailing the months of work that went into creating their looks. In these digital spaces, the word is linked to craftsmanship, fandom, and visual storytelling. Whether it's a professional designer talking about fabric durability or a child talking about their favorite dragon outfit, the word 'costumes' is the universal term for clothing that transforms the wearer.

I saw some amazing costumes at the sci-fi convention last weekend; some people looked exactly like the movie characters.

Historical Museums: Museums often have 'costume galleries' where they display historical clothing to show how fashion has changed over the centuries.

The exhibition featured the original costumes worn by the cast of the famous 1950s musical.

We need to make sure the costumes are ready for the dress rehearsal tomorrow night.

One of the most frequent errors English learners make with the word costumes is confusing it with the word 'customs.' While they look and sound somewhat similar, their meanings are entirely different. 'Costumes' refers to clothing for performance or disguise, while 'customs' refers to the traditional practices of a culture or the government department that checks luggage at international borders. Saying 'I love the local costumes' when you mean 'I love the local traditions' can lead to significant confusion, as the listener will think you are talking about the way people dress for theater rather than their social habits.

Costumes vs. Customs: Costumes = Outfits for acting/parties. Customs = Traditions or airport security. Pronunciation tip: 'Costumes' has a 't' sound (KOS-tooms), while 'customs' has a 'st' sound (KUS-tumz).

Incorrect: We had to go through costumes at the airport. Correct: We had to go through customs at the airport.

Another mistake involves using 'costumes' to describe everyday clothing. If you tell a friend, 'I like your costume today,' and they are just wearing a normal sweater and jeans, they might find it insulting or confusing. It implies that they are 'pretending' to be someone else or that their clothes look like they belong in a play. Use 'outfit,' 'clothes,' or 'attire' for daily wear. 'Costumes' should be reserved for situations where there is an element of characterization or specific event-based dressing. Similarly, learners sometimes forget that 'costume' can be a singular noun. If you are only talking about one person's dress-up outfit, use the singular form.

Countability Errors: 'Costumes' is a count noun. You can have 'one costume' or 'many costumes.' Do not use it as an uncountable noun like 'clothing.'

Incorrect: There was a lot of costumes in the room. Correct: There were many costumes in the room.

Finally, be careful with the phrase 'swimming costume.' While common in British English, it is almost never used in American English, where 'swimsuit' or 'bathing suit' is preferred. If you are in the United States and ask where you can buy a 'costume' for the pool, people might direct you to a Halloween store instead of a sporting goods shop. Understanding these regional differences and the specific contexts of the word will help you avoid awkward social situations and ensure your meaning is always clear.

She forgot her swimming costumes (UK) vs. She forgot her swimsuits (US).

Spelling Confusion: Ensure you don't add an extra 'u' like in 'customs'. It is C-O-S-T-U-M-E-S.

The costumes for the play were stored in large plastic bins to keep them clean.

Are you wearing costumes to the party, or is it just a casual get-together?

While costumes is the most common word for theatrical or party clothing, several other words can be used depending on the specific context and the level of formality required. Understanding these alternatives will help you refine your descriptions and sound more like a native speaker. For instance, 'outfit' is a very versatile word that can refer to any set of clothes, including costumes, but it is much less specific. 'Attire' is a more formal word, often used for professional or ceremonial clothing, while 'garb' is a somewhat literary or archaic term that suggests a distinctive style of dress.

Costumes vs. Outfits: 'Outfits' is general; 'costumes' implies a character or a specific event. You wear an outfit to dinner, but you wear a costume to a masquerade.

The dancers' costumes were much more elaborate than the simple outfits they wore during rehearsals.

In the context of a profession, 'uniforms' is the correct term. A uniform is meant to standardize appearance and signify authority or membership, whereas a costume is meant to differentiate and characterize. For example, soldiers wear uniforms, but an actor playing a soldier wears a costume that looks like a uniform. Another related term is 'apparel,' which is a broad, formal word for clothing, often used in the retail industry (e.g., 'athletic apparel'). 'Dress' can also be used as a general term for a style of clothing, such as 'evening dress' or 'traditional dress,' which is often a more respectful way to refer to cultural garments than calling them 'costumes.'

Costumes vs. Fancy Dress: In British English, 'fancy dress' is the standard term for a costume party. 'We're going to a fancy dress party' means the same as 'We're going to a costume party.'

The museum's collection of historical costumes provides a fascinating look at 18th-century fashion.

Finally, the term 'disguise' focuses on the purpose of the clothing—to hide one's identity—rather than the clothing itself. While many costumes function as disguises, not all disguises are elaborate costumes; a simple hat and sunglasses can be a disguise. 'Get-up' is an informal, often slightly critical way to describe someone's unusual or striking clothing. If someone says, 'What is that get-up you're wearing?', they are usually commenting on how strange or funny you look. By choosing the right word from this list, you can convey exactly the right tone and meaning in your English conversations and writing.

The spy used various costumes as disguises to move unnoticed through the city.

Theatrical Wardrobe: In professional theater, the 'wardrobe department' manages all the costumes. 'Wardrobe' can be used as a synonym for the entire collection of costumes in a show.

The designer won an award for the stunning costumes in the new fantasy film.

They decided to rent their costumes instead of making them from scratch.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The words 'costume' and 'custom' are actually doublets, meaning they come from the same source but evolved to have different meanings in English.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈkɒstjuːmz/

US /ˈkɑːstuːmz/

The stress is on the first syllable: KOS-tumes.

Rhymes With

blooms glooms rooms tombs dooms fumes plumes assumes

Common Errors

Pronouncing it like 'customs' (KUS-tumz).
Putting the stress on the second syllable.
Making the 't' silent.
Pronouncing the final 's' as a sharp 's' instead of a 'z'.
Confusing the 'u' sound with an 'o' sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The word is common in stories and news, making it easy to recognize.

Writing 3/5

Spelling can be confused with 'customs', requiring careful attention.

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation of the 'u' and 's' sounds varies between dialects.

Listening 3/5

Must distinguish from 'customs' in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

clothes wear party actor play

Learn Next

attire uniform disguise fabric rehearsal

Advanced

semiotics aesthetic persona masquerade avant-garde

Grammar to Know

Plural Noun Agreement

The costumes ARE (not is) ready.

Adjective Order

Three beautiful, red, silk costumes.

Compound Nouns

Costume party (singular 'costume' acts as an adjective).

Prepositional Phrases

Dressed IN costumes.

Articles with Plurals

I like costumes (general) vs. I like the costumes (specific).

Examples by Level

The children are wearing dinosaur costumes.

As crianças estão usando fantasias de dinossauro.

Plural noun 'costumes' follows the adjective 'dinosaur'.

I have two costumes for the party.

Eu tenho duas fantasias para a festa.

Use 'two' with the plural 'costumes'.

Do you like my Halloween costumes?

Você gosta das minhas fantasias de Halloween?

Question form using 'do' and plural 'costumes'.

She wears costumes to play with her friends.

Ela usa fantasias para brincar com os amigos dela.

Present simple tense 'wears' with plural object.

The store sells many cheap costumes.

A loja vende muitas fantasias baratas.

Adjective 'cheap' describes 'costumes'.

Look at those funny costumes!

Olhe para aquelas fantasias engraçadas!

Exclamatory sentence with plural 'costumes'.

We need costumes for the school play.

Nós precisamos de fantasias para a peça da escola.

Noun 'costumes' as the object of 'need'.

My brother has a box of old costumes.

Meu irmão tem uma caixa de fantasias velhas.

Prepositional phrase 'of old costumes'.

The actors changed their costumes very quickly.

Os atores trocaram de figurino muito rápido.

Possessive adjective 'their' with plural 'costumes'.

We are looking for superhero costumes in the shop.

Estamos procurando fantasias de super-heróis na loja.

Present continuous 'are looking for'.

Are the costumes ready for the show tonight?

Os figurinos estão prontos para o show de hoje à noite?

Plural subject 'costumes' with plural verb 'are'.

She made all the costumes for her dance class.

Ela fez todas as fantasias para a aula de dança dela.

Quantifier 'all the' with plural 'costumes'.

I think these costumes are too small for us.

Eu acho que estas fantasias são pequenas demais para nós.

Demonstrative pronoun 'these' with plural 'costumes'.

The museum has a collection of historical costumes.

O museu tem uma coleção de trajes históricos.

Compound noun 'historical costumes'.

He loves wearing costumes and pretending to be a king.

Ele ama usar fantasias e fingir ser um rei.

Gerund 'wearing' followed by 'costumes'.

They bought new costumes for the carnival parade.

Eles compraram fantasias novas para o desfile de carnaval.

Past simple 'bought' with plural object.

The period costumes helped the audience understand the era.

Os trajes de época ajudaram o público a entender a era.

The term 'period costumes' refers to historically specific clothing.

Most of the costumes were rented from a local theater company.

A maioria dos figurinos foi alugada de uma companhia de teatro local.

Passive voice 'were rented' with plural subject.

She is very talented at designing elaborate costumes for movies.

Ela é muito talentosa em desenhar figurinos elaborados para filmes.

Preposition 'at' followed by gerund 'designing'.

We spent the whole weekend sewing our own costumes.

Passamos o fim de semana inteiro costurando nossas próprias fantasias.

Reflexive emphasis with 'our own'.

The costumes in that play were incredibly colorful and bright.

Os figurinos naquela peça eram incrivelmente coloridos e brilhantes.

Adverbs 'incredibly' modifying adjectives 'colorful and bright'.

It's difficult to move around in these heavy costumes.

É difícil se movimentar com esses figurinos pesados.

Infinitive phrase 'to move around' as the subject.

They decided to wear matching costumes for the competition.

Eles decidiram usar fantasias combinando para a competição.

Present participle 'matching' used as an adjective.

The costume designer won an award for the best costumes.

O figurinista ganhou um prêmio pelos melhores figurinos.

Superlative 'best' with plural 'costumes'.

The authenticity of the costumes added a layer of realism to the film.

A autenticidade dos figurinos adicionou uma camada de realismo ao filme.

Abstract noun 'authenticity' linked to 'costumes'.

Actors often find that wearing costumes helps them inhabit their roles.

Os atores frequentemente acham que usar figurinos os ajuda a habitar seus papéis.

That-clause containing a gerund phrase.

The budget for the production's costumes was surprisingly high.

O orçamento para os figurinos da produção foi surpreendentemente alto.

Possessive 'production's' modifying 'costumes'.

These costumes are designed to withstand the rigors of a long tour.

Estes figurinos são projetados para suportar os rigores de uma longa turnê.

Passive 'are designed' followed by 'to withstand'.

The exhibition showcases costumes from various cultures around the world.

A exposição mostra trajes de várias culturas ao redor do mundo.

Prepositional phrase 'from various cultures'.

There was a strict policy regarding the maintenance of the costumes.

Havia uma política rigorosa em relação à manutenção dos figurinos.

Noun 'maintenance' followed by 'of the costumes'.

The elaborate costumes required several assistants to put on.

Os figurinos elaborados exigiam vários assistentes para serem vestidos.

Plural subject 'costumes' with past tense 'required'.

She specializes in creating costumes for science fiction movies.

Ela se especializa em criar figurinos para filmes de ficção científica.

Verb 'specializes in' followed by gerund 'creating'.

The costumes served as a visual metaphor for the character's descent into madness.

Os figurinos serviram como uma metáfora visual para a descida do personagem à loucura.

Metaphorical usage of 'costumes' in literary analysis.

Meticulous research went into ensuring the costumes were historically accurate.

Uma pesquisa meticulosa foi feita para garantir que os figurinos fossem historicamente precisos.

Gerund 'ensuring' followed by a noun clause.

The juxtaposition of modern and traditional costumes created a striking effect.

A justaposição de figurinos modernos e tradicionais criou um efeito marcante.

Noun 'juxtaposition' used to describe the visual contrast.

The designer's use of unconventional materials in the costumes was highly praised.

O uso de materiais não convencionais nos figurinos pelo designer foi muito elogiado.

Possessive 'designer's' and 'use of' structure.

The costumes were so intricate that they required hundreds of hours of handiwork.

Os figurinos eram tão intrincados que exigiram centenas de horas de trabalho manual.

So...that construction for result/consequence.

The evolution of the protagonist's costumes mirrors her psychological growth.

A evolução dos figurinos da protagonista reflete seu crescimento psicológico.

Verb 'mirrors' used to show symbolic connection.

The play's success was due in no small part to its spectacular costumes.

O sucesso da peça deveu-se em grande parte aos seus figurinos espetaculares.

Idiomatic expression 'in no small part'.

Critics noted that the costumes were the only redeeming feature of the production.

Os críticos notaram que os figurinos eram a única característica redentora da produção.

Noun phrase 'redeeming feature' used in critique.

The semiotics of the costumes provided a subtextual commentary on class struggle.

A semiótica dos figurinos forneceu um comentário subtextual sobre a luta de classes.

Technical term 'semiotics' applied to costume design.

The costumes were designed to evoke a sense of uncanny nostalgia.

Os figurinos foram projetados para evocar uma sensação de nostalgia estranha.

Infinitive 'to evoke' expressing purpose.

The actor's physical transformation was completed by the donning of his costumes.

A transformação física do ator foi completada pelo vestir de seus figurinos.

Formal noun 'donning' referring to putting on clothes.

The costumes transcended mere clothing, becoming integral components of the set design.

Os figurinos transcenderam o mero vestuário, tornando-se componentes integrais do design do cenário.

Participle phrase 'becoming integral components'.

The designer masterfully manipulated silhouettes through the construction of the costumes.

O designer manipulou magistralmente as silhuetas através da construção dos figurinos.

Adverb 'masterfully' modifying the verb 'manipulated'.

The ephemeral nature of the theatrical costumes contrasts with the permanence of the script.

A natureza efêmera dos figurinos teatrais contrasta com a permanência do roteiro.

Contrast between 'ephemeral' and 'permanence'.

The costumes were imbued with historical signifiers that only an expert would recognize.

Os figurinos estavam imbuídos de significadores históricos que apenas um especialista reconheceria.

Passive 'were imbued with' meaning filled with.

The sheer opulence of the costumes was a testament to the production's massive budget.

A pura opulência dos figurinos era um testemunho do orçamento massivo da produção.

Noun 'testament' used to show evidence.

Common Collocations

elaborate costumes

period costumes

costume design

costume party

theatrical costumes

Halloween costumes

authentic costumes

colorful costumes

rent costumes

wear costumes

Common Phrases

in costume

costume drama

change costumes

costume jewelry

costume shop

full costume

period-accurate costumes

animal costumes

costume contest

hand-made costumes

Often Confused With

costumes vs customs

Customs refers to traditions or border control. Costumes refers to clothes for acting.

costumes vs uniforms

Uniforms are for professional identification. Costumes are for character transformation.

costumes vs outfits

Outfits is a general term for any set of clothes, while costumes implies a specific role.

Idioms & Expressions

"to be in character"

To act like the person you are dressed as.

Even during the break, he stayed in character while wearing his costumes.

theatrical

"to don a new persona"

To take on a new identity, often symbolized by changing costumes.

By putting on the costumes, she was able to don a new persona.

literary

"to steal the show"

To be the most impressive part of a performance, often due to costumes.

Her elaborate costumes really stole the show.

informal

"dressed to the nines"

Dressed very elaborately or formally, like in a costume.

They arrived at the masquerade dressed to the nines in their costumes.

informal

"a wolf in sheep's clothing"

Someone who hides their bad intentions under a harmless appearance (a metaphorical costume).

His friendly behavior was just a costume; he was a wolf in sheep's clothing.

idiomatic

"to put on an act"

To behave in a way that is not sincere, like wearing a costume.

He's just putting on an act with those fancy costumes.

informal

"behind the mask"

The real person hidden by a costume or persona.

We never know who is really behind the mask in those costumes.

metaphorical

"to play a part"

To act in a certain way, often requiring costumes.

The costumes help the actors play their parts more convincingly.

neutral

"all dressed up and nowhere to go"

Ready for an event that is cancelled or not happening.

We were in our costumes, all dressed up and nowhere to go.

informal

"to wear many hats"

To have many different roles or responsibilities (metaphorical costumes).

In this small production, I have to wear many hats and manage all the costumes.

informal

Easily Confused

costumes vs customs

Similar spelling and sound.

Customs are social habits or airport checks; costumes are outfits for performance. You go through customs at the airport, but you wear costumes to a party.

The local customs were interesting, but the festival costumes were amazing.

costumes vs costumer

Related root word.

A costumer is a person who makes or deals in costumes, while costumes are the items themselves.

The costumer spent all night fixing the actors' costumes.

costumes vs costume

Singular vs plural.

Costume is one outfit; costumes refers to more than one. Use the plural when talking about a group or a collection.

Every actor had three different costumes.

costumes vs customer

Similar spelling.

A customer is someone who buys something from a shop. It has nothing to do with clothing.

The customer bought several Halloween costumes.

costumes vs costing

Similar sound.

Costing is the process of calculating the price of something.

The costing of the new costumes was over budget.

Sentence Patterns

I like [adjective] costumes.

I like scary costumes.

They are wearing [adjective] costumes for [event].

They are wearing funny costumes for the party.

The [noun] was full of [adjective] costumes.

The stage was full of elaborate costumes.

The costumes were designed to [verb].

The costumes were designed to reflect the 1920s.

The [abstract noun] of the costumes [verb] the [noun].

The authenticity of the costumes enhanced the film.

Imbued with [noun], the costumes [verb].

Imbued with symbolism, the costumes told a story.

It takes a long time to [verb] these costumes.

It takes a long time to sew these costumes.

There is a wide variety of costumes [preposition] [noun].

There is a wide variety of costumes in the museum.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Common, especially in entertainment and seasonal contexts.

Common Mistakes

I need to go through costumes at the airport. → I need to go through customs at the airport.
Customs is the government department for borders; costumes are for parties.
The actors are wearing beautiful customs. → The actors are wearing beautiful costumes.
You wear costumes, not traditions (customs).
I like your costume today! (to someone in a suit) → I like your outfit today!
Costumes implies they are pretending to be someone else. Use 'outfit' for normal clothes.
There is many costumes in the box. → There are many costumes in the box.
Costumes is plural, so it requires the plural verb 'are'.
She is a costume designer for the local customs. → She is a costume designer for the local theater.
Confusing the location/context with the word 'customs'.

Tips

Plurality Matters

Always use 'costumes' when referring to the collective wardrobe of a play or a group of people at a party. Using the singular 'costume' in these cases sounds unnatural.

Choose the Right Word

Use 'period costumes' when discussing history to show you understand the specific era being represented. It sounds more precise than just 'old clothes'.

The 'Z' Sound

Remember that the 's' at the end of 'costumes' is voiced, meaning it sounds like a 'z'. This is a common detail that helps you sound more fluent.

Respectful Language

When talking about ethnic or religious clothing, prefer 'traditional attire' over 'costumes' to avoid suggesting the clothing is just for play.

Descriptive Adjectives

Pair 'costumes' with vivid adjectives like 'lavish', 'tattered', or 'vibrant' to help your reader visualize the scene more effectively.

Contextual Clues

If you see 'costumes' near words like 'stage', 'actor', or 'Halloween', you can be 100% sure it refers to dress-up clothing.

The 'O' and 'U'

Costumes starts with 'C-O-S'. Don't confuse it with 'customs' which starts with 'C-U-S'. A simple mnemonic: 'O' is for 'Outfits'.

Theatrical Terms

In a professional theater setting, refer to the 'costume department' or 'wardrobe' to sound like an insider.

UK vs US

If you are in London, don't be surprised if someone invites you to a 'fancy dress' party—they just mean a costume party!

DIY Costumes

Using the phrase 'hand-made costumes' implies a high level of effort and creativity compared to 'store-bought costumes'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'COST' and 'UME' (you me). It 'COSTS' money to buy a costume for 'YOU' and 'ME' to wear to the party.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant wooden wardrobe opening to reveal a pirate hat, a superhero cape, and a sparkly dress all hanging together.

Word Web

Theater Halloween Party Actor Design Fabric Mask Character

Challenge

Try to name five different costumes you have worn in your life and describe them using three adjectives each.

Word Origin

The word 'costume' comes from the French 'costume', which in turn comes from the Italian 'costume', meaning 'custom' or 'habit'. It originally referred to the typical dress of a particular period or place.

Original meaning: A way of dressing that reflects the customs of a specific group or time.

Romance (Latin root 'consuetudo' meaning custom).

Cultural Context

Be mindful of 'cultural appropriation'—wearing costumes that represent a culture you do not belong to can sometimes be seen as offensive.

Halloween is the biggest commercial event for costumes in the US and Canada. In the UK, 'fancy dress' is a staple of university life and birthday parties.

The 'Best Costume Design' category at the Academy Awards. The elaborate costumes in the 'Star Wars' franchise. The 'Met Gala' where celebrities wear avant-garde costumes/fashion.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Theater and Film

costume fitting
dress rehearsal
wardrobe change
period accuracy

Halloween/Parties

costume contest
dress up as
themed party
scary mask

Museums/History

historical dress
costume gallery
textile preservation
fashion history

Dance/Recitals

sequined costumes
dance attire
backstage change
tutu and tights

Cosplay/Conventions

prop making
character accuracy
costume reveal
fan convention

Conversation Starters

"What are the best costumes you have ever seen at a party?"

"Do you prefer making your own costumes or buying them from a shop?"

"If you could wear any historical costumes for a day, which era would you choose?"

"What kind of costumes do people usually wear for festivals in your country?"

"Have you ever won a prize in a costume contest?"

Journal Prompts

Describe a time you wore a costume. How did it make you feel? Did it change the way you acted?

If you were a costume designer for a movie about the future, what materials and styles would you use for the costumes?

Write about the importance of costumes in a specific cultural festival you know well.

Compare the experience of wearing a uniform for work versus wearing costumes for fun.

Do you think costumes are only for children, or should adults dress up more often? Explain your view.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is better to use 'traditional dress' or 'cultural attire'. Using 'costumes' can sometimes imply that the clothing is a 'disguise' or 'pretend', which might be offensive to some people. However, in some contexts like a 'costume parade', it is acceptable.

'Fancy dress' is a term used mainly in British English to describe a party where people wear costumes. 'Costume' is the more universal term used for theater, film, and parties in both American and British English.

No, you can use the singular 'costume' when referring to one outfit. 'Costumes' is used when there are two or more, or when referring to a collection of outfits.

In British English, 'swimming costume' is a common term for a swimsuit. In American English, this is rarely used, and 'costume' almost always refers to theatrical or party dress.

In American English, it's KOS-tooms. In British English, it's KOS-tyooms. The stress is always on the first syllable, and the final 's' sounds like a 'z'.

A 'costume drama' is a type of movie or television show that is set in the past. The name comes from the fact that the actors have to wear elaborate historical costumes.

Yes, 'to costume' means to provide someone with a costume. For example: 'The designer will costume the entire cast.' However, it is much more common as a noun.

It is jewelry made of inexpensive materials like plastic or glass, intended to be worn for fashion or as part of a costume, rather than as an investment.

A 'costume designer' is the professional responsible for creating the look of the characters in a play, movie, or opera.

Only if you work in a theater! For normal jobs, use 'uniform' or 'work clothes'. Using 'costumes' for a regular job would sound like a joke.