apparel

UK: əˈpærəl | US: əˈpærəl

Definition
  1. n. clothing, especially formal or fashionable garments

  2. vt. to dress or clothe someone

Structure
ap <to, toward (variant of "ad")>parel <prepare, adorn (from Old French "pareil")>
Etymology

The word "apparel" traces back to Old French apareillier ("to prepare, equip, adorn"), derived from Vulgar Latin appariculare, a variant of Latin apparare ("to prepare"). The prefix ap- (a form of ad-, meaning "to") combined with parel (related to "prepare") originally conveyed the idea of "making ready" or "adorning." Over time, it specialized in English to refer specifically to clothing, reflecting the cultural association between dressing and preparation for public appearance.

Examples
  1. The store sells high-quality apparel for outdoor activities.

  2. She was appareled in a elegant gown for the gala.

  3. The brand focuses on sustainable apparel production.

  4. Traditional apparel varies widely across cultures.

  5. He works in the apparel industry as a designer.