attire
UK: əˈtaɪə | US: əˈtaɪər
n. clothing, especially of a distinctive or formal kind
vt. to dress or clothe someone in a particular way
attire = at<toward> + tire<order/equipment>
- at (prefix): From Old French a-, meaning "to" or "toward."
- tire: From Old French tirer, meaning "to draw, arrange, or equip." Originally referred to preparing or adorning oneself.
Etymology Origin:
The word attire entered English in the 13th century via Old French, where atirier meant "to equip or prepare." Over time, it narrowed to specifically denote clothing or adornment, reflecting the idea of "arranging oneself" in dress. The morphemes at- and tire combine to suggest "drawn toward order," aligning with the concept of dressing purposefully.
Her elegant attire caught everyone’s attention at the gala.
The knights were attired in gleaming armor for the ceremony.
Business attire is required for the interview.
The dancers wore traditional folk attire for the performance.
He carefully attired himself in a tailored suit for the occasion.