clothe
UK: /kləʊð/ | US: /kloʊð/
vt. to provide someone with garments or covering
vt. to cover or adorn as if with clothing
vt. (archaic) to endow with a particular quality or attribute
clothe = cloth<fabric> + e<verb-forming suffix>
- cloth (from Old English clāþ, meaning "fabric, woven material")
- -e (a verb-forming suffix in Old English, used to create action verbs)
Etymology Origin:
The word clothe originates from Old English clāþian, derived from clāþ (fabric). It originally meant "to cover with fabric" and later generalized to "providing garments." The verb-forming suffix -e (or -ian in Old English) transformed the noun into an action. Over time, the meaning expanded metaphorically (e.g., "clothed in light").
Parents must feed and clothe their children.
The trees were clothed in autumn colors.
She clothed her ideas in elegant language.
(Archaic) The king was clothed with authority.
Volunteers help clothe the homeless during winter.