wear
UK: weə | US: wer
v. to have clothing, jewelry, etc. on your body
v. to damage or diminish something through use or friction
v. to display or present a particular expression or appearance
n. clothing or items designed for a specific purpose or occasion
n. the damage or loss of quality caused by use
The word "wear" originates from Old English werian, meaning "to clothe, put on, or carry." It is rooted in Proto-Germanic wazjaną ("to clothe") and shares ancestry with Old Norse verja and Gothic wasjan. Over time, its meaning expanded to include the gradual damage caused by use (e.g., "wear and tear"), reflecting the physical burden of carrying or enduring something. The dual sense of "bearing" clothing and "enduring" friction illustrates how language evolves to capture both literal and metaphorical actions.
She likes to wear bright colors in summer.
The tires will wear quickly if you drive on rough roads.
He wore a smile during the entire meeting.
This store specializes in formal wear for weddings.
The constant friction caused the machine parts to wear out.