habiliment

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the phrase "habiliment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to clothing or garments, often in a more formal or literary context. Example: "The nobleman was adorned in fine habiliment, showcasing his wealth and status."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

(I was thinking of a leg bone: if you weren't, you're just going to have to imagine someone who can't dress themselves proper, or picture a sleeve or other suitable habiliment all by yourself. I know you'll manage).

The Guardian - Books

I wouldn't be surprised if it emerged that the estimable Ms Blackwood had been told to remain within strict parameters when designing the Commonwealth habiliment: we don't care what you concoct as long as it's tartan.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

By dispensation we own the habiliments of the legal profession — suits, shirts, ties, polished shoes — which we don for those occasions when we must meet with our counterparts in the world outside.

The New Yorker

For the Supreme Court, "privacy" implies control over one's body and its use (the right to marry a person of any race, to use contraception, to abort a first-term fetus); for Caroline Kennedy, control over her body and its use encompasses photographs taken, descriptions written, and habiliments abandoned.

The New Yorker

Arabian and Moroccan habiliments, even feminine ones, are apparently enhanced by flesh and bulk.

The New Yorker

His symptoms themselves developed symptoms, troughs and nodes he charted with morbid attention, in the Dumpster, in his suspenders and tweed cap, clutching his wig and coat and other comely habiliments he could neither wear nor pawn.

The New Yorker

Sands' habiliments are not appropriate in a civilian milieu.

The New Yorker

He says that Sands' habiliments constitute a form of intimidation, especially in a region of the country that has not lost its respect for the military presence.

The New Yorker

Daly's habiliments change daily.

The New Yorker

I never questioned Miss Shepherd on the subject, but what intrigued me about the regular appearances put in by the Virgin Mary was that she seldom turned up in her traditional habiliments; no sky-blue veil for her, still less a halo.

The Guardian - Film

"As Tess thought of her dusty boots she almost pitied those habiliments for the quizzing to which they had been subjected, and felt how hopeless life was for their owner".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "habiliment" when aiming for a formal, literary, or historical tone in your writing. It's particularly effective when describing attire associated with a specific role, status, or occasion.

Common error

Avoid using "habiliment" in everyday conversation or informal writing. Its formal and somewhat archaic nature can sound stilted or pretentious in modern contexts where simpler alternatives like "clothing" or "attire" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "habiliment" is that of a noun, referring to clothing or attire, often in a formal or specialized context. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which identifies it as such and provides examples where it denotes specific types of clothing.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "habiliment" is a noun referring to clothing, particularly when it's associated with a specific role, status, or occasion. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, though it's important to note its uncommon usage in contemporary settings. Its formal tone makes it suitable for literary, historical, or professional contexts, lending a sense of tradition and symbolism to the description of attire. While "habiliment" may not be an everyday term, its precision and historical weight make it valuable in specific writing scenarios. As Ludwig AI pointed out, it's also essential to avoid overuse of "habiliment" in contemporary contexts, as simpler alternatives like "clothing" or "attire" are often more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

garments

Refers to clothing in general, often implying a more formal or specialized context compared to everyday wear.

apparel

Encompasses clothing items considered collectively, suggesting a focus on style or function.

attire

Specifically refers to clothing used for a particular occasion or purpose, emphasizing its appropriateness.

clothing

A general term for items worn to cover the body, lacking the formal connotation of "habiliment".

dress

Implies a particular style or type of clothing, often related to formal occasions.

outfit

Refers to a complete set of clothing worn together, emphasizing coordination and style.

costume

Specifically refers to clothing worn for theatrical performances or disguises, suggesting a departure from everyday wear.

array

Suggests a collection of attire, accessories, and garments, often displayed or presented in an ordered manner.

accoutrements

Refers to equipment or accessories, specifically clothing that is an item of equipment or that is worn with a uniform

raiment

An old-fashioned word for clothing that has a connotation of high-quality and splendour.

FAQs

How to use "habiliment" in a sentence?

"Habiliment" is often used to describe clothing that is specific to a profession, occasion, or social status. For example: "The judge was dressed in the official "legal habiliment" of the court."

What can I say instead of "habiliment"?

You can use alternatives like "garments", "apparel", or "attire" depending on the context. "Attire" is a close synonym, frequently used in formal situations.

Is "habiliment" a common word in modern English?

No, "habiliment" is not a commonly used word in modern English. It is considered more formal and somewhat archaic. Simpler words like "clothing" or "dress" are more frequently used in everyday conversation.

What is the difference between "habiliment" and "clothing"?

"Clothing" is a general term for items worn to cover the body. "Habiliment" refers to clothing that is specific to a particular occasion, profession, or social status, often with a more formal or historical connotation.