스웨터
A sweater is a warm piece of clothing you wear on your upper body, usually made of wool or cotton.
Explanation at your level:
A sweater is a warm shirt. You wear it when it is cold. It is made of soft wool. You put it on over your other clothes. It keeps your body warm. It is very comfortable to wear in the winter.
A sweater is a piece of clothing for your upper body. It is usually knitted. You can wear a sweater with jeans or pants. Many people like to wear sweaters in the autumn. They come in many colors like red, blue, or grey.
A sweater is a knitted garment that provides warmth. It is a versatile item that can be worn in many situations, from casual outings to office settings. You might choose a thick sweater for a snowy day or a thin one for a cool spring evening. It is a staple in most people's closets.
The term 'sweater' refers to a knitted garment designed for insulation. In American English, it is the standard term, whereas in British English, you might hear it called a 'jumper.' Understanding the fabric, such as wool or cashmere, helps in choosing the right sweater for the weather. It is a classic piece of apparel that balances function and style.
Beyond its utilitarian function as a thermal garment, the sweater has become a cultural icon in fashion. From the 'ugly Christmas sweater' tradition to high-end cashmere pullovers, the sweater conveys different social signals. Its construction, whether hand-knitted or machine-loomed, often dictates its value and durability in a wardrobe. It remains an essential subject in textile discussions.
Etymologically, the sweater's transition from an athletic tool intended to induce perspiration to a ubiquitous fashion staple illustrates the fluidity of language and cultural utility. In literature and media, the sweater often serves as a symbol of domesticity, comfort, or even vulnerability. Its presence in a narrative can immediately establish a setting of cold, intimacy, or nostalgia, proving that even simple clothing items hold significant semiotic weight in human communication.
Word in 30 Seconds
- A sweater is a knitted garment.
- It is worn for warmth.
- It is a countable noun.
- It is called a 'jumper' in the UK.
When the temperature drops, the first thing most of us reach for is a sweater. It is one of the most essential items in a wardrobe, acting as a soft, knitted barrier between you and the chilly air.
Essentially, a sweater is any garment made by knitting yarn or thread. Because knitting creates tiny air pockets in the fabric, sweaters are incredibly good at holding onto your body heat, making them perfect for autumn and winter.
You will find them in all sorts of styles, from thick, chunky cable-knits to thin, lightweight varieties. Whether you are lounging at home or heading out for a walk, a sweater is the ultimate comfort piece.
The word sweater is quite literal! It comes from the 19th century when athletes wore these heavy wool garments to help them 'sweat' during exercise or to keep warm after a workout.
Originally, they were strictly functional athletic wear. However, by the early 20th century, the fashion world caught on, and the sweater transitioned from the gym to the street. It evolved from a bulky, utilitarian item into a diverse range of styles including cardigans, pullovers, and turtlenecks.
Interestingly, in British English, you might hear people refer to a sweater as a jumper or a jersey. The term 'sweater' remains the standard in American English, reflecting its humble origins as a garment designed to induce perspiration for weight loss or athletic performance.
Using the word sweater is straightforward because it is a common, everyday noun. You use it whenever you are talking about the garment itself, regardless of whether it is a pullover or a cardigan.
Common collocations include 'put on a sweater', 'take off a sweater', or describing one as 'cozy' or 'itchy'. It is a neutral term, suitable for both casual conversation and descriptive writing.
In a formal register, you might use it to describe a specific dress code, such as 'business casual with a sweater.' It is rarely used in highly formal or legal contexts, where terms like 'garment' or 'apparel' might be preferred.
While there are few idioms specifically using the word 'sweater,' the concept of being warm and cozy is often associated with the garment.
- Sweat it out: To endure a difficult situation until it passes.
- Don't sweat the small stuff: A very common idiom meaning not to worry about minor problems.
- Sweat of one's brow: Refers to hard work and effort.
- Sweat blood: To work extremely hard or be under immense pressure.
- In a cold sweat: To be extremely frightened or nervous.
Grammatically, sweater is a countable noun. You can have one sweater or two sweaters. It is almost always used with an article, such as 'a sweater' or 'the sweater.'
The pronunciation in American English is /ˈswɛtər/, with the stress on the first syllable. In British English, the 'r' at the end is often dropped or softened. Rhyming words include better, letter, fetter, and debtor.
When using it in a sentence, it acts as the subject or object. For example: 'This sweater is soft' (subject) or 'I bought a new sweater' (object).
Fun Fact
It was originally strictly sports gear.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'swet-uh'.
Sounds like 'swet-er' with a hard 'r'.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing the 'w' as 'v'
- Forgetting the 't' sound
- Misplacing the stress
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Very easy to read.
Easy to write.
Easy to pronounce.
Common word.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Countable Nouns
I have two sweaters.
Articles
A sweater is warm.
Present Continuous
She is wearing a sweater.
Examples by Level
I have a red sweater.
I own a red-colored knitted top.
Simple subject-verb-object.
The sweater is warm.
The knitted top provides heat.
Adjective usage.
Put on your sweater.
Wear your knitted top.
Imperative sentence.
I like this sweater.
I enjoy this knitted top.
Verb usage.
Where is my sweater?
Asking for location of the top.
Question structure.
It is a soft sweater.
The top feels nice to touch.
Adjective placement.
She bought a new sweater.
She purchased a fresh top.
Past tense.
The sweater is blue.
The color is blue.
Simple description.
I need a sweater for the winter.
He wears a wool sweater every day.
This sweater is too big for me.
Can you wash this sweater?
She gave me a beautiful sweater.
I lost my favorite sweater.
These sweaters are on sale.
He took off his sweater because it was hot.
I packed a thick sweater for our trip to the mountains.
The cable-knit sweater is a classic winter style.
She knitted a sweater for her grandson.
My sweater shrunk in the washing machine.
He wore a sweater over his dress shirt.
I prefer cotton sweaters to wool ones.
The sweater was itchy against my skin.
She chose a light sweater for the cool evening.
He looked sharp in his cashmere sweater.
The oversized sweater trend is very popular this year.
She pulled her sweater tighter against the wind.
It is wise to layer a sweater over a thermal shirt.
The sweater's pattern was intricate and unique.
He regretted not bringing a sweater to the outdoor concert.
The company produces high-quality wool sweaters.
She draped her sweater over the back of the chair.
The professor wore a tweed jacket over his sweater.
He found a moth hole in his vintage sweater.
The sweater served as his only protection against the biting cold.
She meticulously folded her collection of sweaters.
The sweater's texture added depth to her outfit.
He opted for a lightweight sweater to navigate the changing temperatures.
The artisan spent weeks knitting the complex sweater.
Her choice of a cashmere sweater reflected her refined taste.
The sweater became a symbol of his humble upbringing.
Wrapped in a thick sweater, he watched the blizzard from the window.
The sweater's fibers were woven with precision.
She inherited the hand-knitted sweater from her grandmother.
The tactile quality of the sweater was unmistakable.
He wore the sweater like a suit of armor against the world.
The sweater was an heirloom passed down through generations.
The aesthetic of the sweater was quintessentially autumnal.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"don't sweat it"
don't worry about it
I broke the glass, but he said, 'Don't sweat it.'
casual"sweat blood"
to work very hard
She sweated blood to finish the project.
casual"in a cold sweat"
extremely nervous
I woke up in a cold sweat after the nightmare.
neutral"sweat of one's brow"
hard work
He earned his money by the sweat of his brow.
formal"no sweat"
easy to do
Can you fix this? No sweat!
casual"break a sweat"
to exert oneself
The task was so easy I didn't even break a sweat.
neutralEasily Confused
Both are warm tops.
Sweaters are knitted; sweatshirts are fleece/cotton.
I wear a sweatshirt to the gym and a sweater to dinner.
Same garment.
Regional dialect difference.
He wore a jumper in London and a sweater in New York.
It is a type of sweater.
Cardigans open at the front.
I put on a cardigan over my shirt.
It is a type of sweater.
Pullovers have no buttons.
He pulled on his pullover.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + is + wearing + a + sweater
He is wearing a sweater.
Subject + bought + a + sweater
I bought a sweater.
Subject + needs + a + warm + sweater
She needs a warm sweater.
Subject + prefers + [type] + sweater
I prefer wool sweaters.
Subject + put + on + a + sweater + because + [reason]
He put on a sweater because it was cold.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
8
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
Sweat is a verb or a noun for perspiration.
Sweatshirts are usually cotton fleece, not knitted.
Countable noun needs an article.
Jumper is British; sweater is American.
Articles don't work with plurals.
Tips
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine your closet full of sweaters.
When Native Speakers Use It
Use it when talking about winter clothes.
Cultural Insight
Sweaters are synonymous with 'coziness'.
Grammar Shortcut
It is a countable noun.
Say It Right
Focus on the 'sw' sound.
Don't Make This Mistake
Don't confuse it with 'sweatshirt'.
Did You Know?
It was once athletic gear.
Study Smart
Label your clothes to learn vocabulary.
Rhyme Time
Rhyme it with 'better'.
Regional Tips
Use 'jumper' in the UK.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Sweat + er: A sweater makes you sweat (stay warm).
Visual Association
A warm, fuzzy red sweater.
Word Web
Challenge
Describe your favorite sweater in three sentences.
Word Origin
English
Original meaning: A garment meant to make the wearer sweat
Cultural Context
None, universally accepted.
Sweaters are often associated with comfort, winter holidays, and 'ugly sweater' parties.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
at school
- Where is my sweater?
- I lost my sweater.
- Is this your sweater?
shopping
- Do you have this sweater in blue?
- How much is this sweater?
- Can I try on this sweater?
at home
- Put on a sweater.
- It is a cozy sweater.
- Wash the sweater.
travel
- I packed a sweater.
- It is cold, I need a sweater.
- Buy a sweater.
Conversation Starters
"Do you prefer wool or cotton sweaters?"
"What is your favorite color for a sweater?"
"Do you wear sweaters in the summer?"
"How many sweaters do you own?"
"Do you like cardigans or pullovers better?"
Journal Prompts
Describe your favorite piece of clothing.
Write about a time you were very cold.
Explain the difference between a sweater and a sweatshirt.
Describe a winter day.
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsNo, sweaters are knitted; sweatshirts are usually cotton fleece.
It is the British term for a sweater.
Only if it is a very light, breathable knit.
Usually by hand or on a delicate cycle.
It is neutral and acceptable in almost all daily contexts.
A type of sweater that buttons up the front.
Because it was originally used to make athletes sweat.
Yes, sweaters.
Test Yourself
The ___ is warm.
Sweater is the garment that provides warmth.
Which is a material for a sweater?
Wool is a natural fiber used for knitting.
A sweater is usually knitted.
Knitting is the defining construction method.
Word
Meaning
These are types of sweaters.
My sweater is warm.
Score: /5
Summary
A sweater is a cozy, knitted garment essential for keeping warm in cold weather.
- A sweater is a knitted garment.
- It is worn for warmth.
- It is a countable noun.
- It is called a 'jumper' in the UK.
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine your closet full of sweaters.
When Native Speakers Use It
Use it when talking about winter clothes.
Cultural Insight
Sweaters are synonymous with 'coziness'.
Grammar Shortcut
It is a countable noun.
Example
겨울에는 따뜻한 스웨터를 입어요.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More clothing words
액세서리
A1Accessory, decorative item.
발목양말
A1Ankle socks.
옷매무새
A1Appearance, grooming, how one's clothes are worn.
앞치마
A1Apron.
옷차림새
A1Manner of dressing, appearance.
허리띠
A1Belt, worn around the waist.
벨트
A1A belt; a strip of material worn around the waist.
표백제
A1Bleach.
탈색
A1Discoloration, bleaching.
블라우스
A1Blouse, a loose-fitting upper garment for women.
