What is vest? Pronunciation and usage in English

vest means . Learn how to pronounce and use vest through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of vest

vestnoun

/vɛst/
Definition & pronunciation of vest

The word "vest" in English is pronounced vest (rhymes with "best").

Here's a breakdown:

  • ve - as in "vet"
  • st - as in "stop"

You can also hear it pronounced here: https://www.dictionary.com/browse/vest

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Usage and examples with the word vest in English

Let's break down how to use the word "vest" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with multiple meanings! Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. The Garment - The Most Common Meaning

  • Definition: A jacket or sleeveless garment, typically worn over a shirt, for warmth or as part of an outfit.
  • Examples:
    • "He wore a brown vest under his suit jacket."
    • "She chose a bright red vest to accessorize her dress."
    • "A knitted vest is perfect for chilly evenings."
    • "Leather vests are popular with bikers."
  • Types of Vests: You'll encounter different styles:
    • Waistcoat: (Often considered a more formal type of vest. Think Victorian times.)
    • Padded Vest: For warmth.
    • Cycling Vest: Often with pockets for tools.
    • Bomber Vest: Part of a bomber jacket.

2. A Protective Gear – Police & Security

  • Definition: A piece of clothing worn by law enforcement officers, firefighters, or security personnel for protection.
  • Examples:
    • "The police officer wore a tactical vest with bulletproof plates."
    • "Firefighters need to wear a flame-resistant vest."
    • "Security guards always carry a vest with a radio."

3. Past Tense of "Vest" (Rare & Technical)

  • Definition: The past tense and past participle of the verb "vest," meaning to place or put something into possession. This usage is very formal and not commonly used in everyday speech.
  • Example: "The property was vested in her trust." (Meaning: placed within the trust)

4. Figurative/Idiomatic Usage - “To Vest Someone in...” (Relating to Authority)

  • Definition: To entrust authority, responsibility, or power to someone.
  • Examples:
    • "The CEO decided to vest the responsibility for marketing in the new marketing director."
    • "The judge vested the court with the power to rule on the case."

5. "Vest" as a Verb (Less Common)

  • Definition: To invest or place something. Similar to the formal past tense but used more actively.
  • Example: “Investors vested their money in the company.”

Here's a table summarizing the uses:

Meaning Part of Speech Example
Garment/Jacket Noun “He wore a denim vest.”
Police/Security Gear Noun “The officer wore a bullet vest.”
Past Tense Noun/Verb “The rights were vested.”
Authority/Trust Verb (Idiom) “They vested the decision in me.”

Tips for Using "Vest" Correctly:

  • Context is Key: Pay close attention to the surrounding words to determine the intended meaning.
  • Most Common Usage: The garment meaning is by far the most frequent.
  • Be Aware of the Other Meanings: The police/security and figurative usages are less common, so ensure they fit the context.

Resources for More Information:

To help me give you even more targeted assistance, could you tell me:

  • In what context are you trying to use the word "vest"? (e.g., describing clothing, talking about law enforcement, etc.)

Synonyms for the word vest

Practice with vocabulary vest

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. For safety reasons, all construction workers must wear a high-visibility ______ when on the site.
  2. The board's decision to ______ considerable authority in the new CEO surprised many shareholders.
  3. Before going out in the cold, she usually puts on a warm winter ______ over her sweater.
  4. Smart financial planners always advise clients to ______ their money wisely for long-term growth.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following would typically be worn as a formal, sleeveless garment over a shirt as part of a three-piece suit? A) cardigan B) vest C) poncho D) blazer

  2. To ensure his safety during the nighttime bicycle ride, he chose to wear a bright, reflective ______. A) helmet B) vest C) backpack D) gloves

  3. The city council decided to ______ the power to approve major zoning changes solely in the planning committee. A) divest B) invest C) bestow D) vest

  4. Before starting a new business venture, it's crucial to ______ thoroughly in market research. A) best B) invest C) protest D) test

  5. She packed a lightweight waterproof ______ for her hiking trip, anticipating variable weather conditions. A) jacket B) umbrella C) scarf D) gloves

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The ultimate decision-making power for the company rests with the executive board. Rewrite:
  2. He put on a bright orange safety garment before directing traffic around the accident scene. Rewrite:
  3. The traditional British formal suit often includes a sleeveless garment worn under the jacket. Rewrite:

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. vest
  2. vest
  3. jacket (or coat, parka, etc.)
  4. invest

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. B) vest
  2. B) vest
  3. C) bestow, D) vest
  4. B) invest
  5. A) jacket

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The ultimate decision-making power for the company is vested in the executive board.
  2. He put on a bright orange safety vest before directing traffic around the accident scene.
  3. The traditional British formal suit often includes a waistcoat worn under the jacket.

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