What is wardrobe? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of wardrobe

wardrobenoun

/ˈwɔːdrəʊb/
Definition & pronunciation of wardrobe

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "wardrobe" in English. It's a tricky one because it's a word that doesn't always follow typical English pronunciation rules.

Here's a breakdown:

  • WAR - This part is fairly straightforward. Pronounce it like "war" as in "warrior." (IPA: /wɑːr/)

  • drobe - This is where it gets tricky. It's not pronounced like "drobe" as in "robe" (a long cloak). Instead, it’s pronounced with a short "o" sound, almost like "drobb."

    • The “r” in “drobe” is silent. It’s a very subtle sound to hear, but it’s important.
    • The "b" is also very soft – almost like a "v" blend.

Putting it together:

The whole word sounds like: WAR-drobb (with the silent "r" and soft "b").

Here are some resources to hear it:

Tips for getting it right:

  • Listen carefully: Pay extra attention to the subtle "drobb" sound. Don't overemphasize the "o."
  • Practice slowly: Break the word down into its components and practice saying each part individually before putting them together.
  • Don't stress about the silent "r": Native speakers don’t even consciously think about the silent “r.” Just focus on the "drobb" part.

Do you want me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some common mispronunciations you might hear?

Usage and examples with the word wardrobe in English

Let's break down how to use the word "wardrobe" in English. It has a few different meanings and uses!

1. As a Piece of Furniture (Most Common)

  • Definition: A wardrobe is a tall, often ornate, cabinet used for storing clothes. It typically has hanging space, shelves, and sometimes drawers.
  • Examples:
    • "I need to organize my wardrobe before the winter."
    • "He opened the heavy wooden wardrobe and pulled out a coat."
    • "We bought a new wardrobe with plenty of space for all our clothes."
    • "She hung her dresses in the wardrobe."

2. As a Collection of Clothes (Figurative)

  • Definition: More rarely, "wardrobe" can refer to a person’s entire collection of clothes – all the garments they own. This is a figurative use, meaning it's like a wardrobe.
  • Examples:
    • "She has a very extensive wardrobe." (Meaning: she owns a lot of clothes.)
    • "He likes to experiment with his wardrobe and try different styles." (Meaning: he changes his clothing style frequently.)
    • "Her wardrobe is mostly dresses and skirts." (Meaning: she predominantly owns dresses and skirts.)

3. As a Geographical District (Historical - Less Common Now)

  • Definition: Historically, a “wardrobe” was a district or area within a town or city, often a large, wealthy residential area. This usage is very rare today.
  • Example: (You'll likely only encounter this in historical contexts) "The wealthy families lived in the eastern wardrobe of the city."

Here's a breakdown of how to use it correctly:

  • Context is key: Pay attention to the surrounding words to understand whether "wardrobe" refers to the furniture or the collection of clothes.
  • It's usually furniture: In most everyday conversations, people are talking about the cabinet.

Resources for Further Learning:

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples?
  • Explain how "wardrobe" differs from similar words like "closet"?
  • Practice using the word in a sentence?

Synonyms for the word wardrobe

Practice with vocabulary wardrobe

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. For the upcoming formal gala, she needed to carefully select pieces from her professional ______.
  2. The apartment's master bedroom featured a built-in ______ with mirrored doors, perfect for storing outerwear.
  3. He organized his casual clothes, especially his t-shirts and jeans, neatly in the top drawer of his ______.
  4. To maintain a professional image, employees are expected to adhere strictly to the corporate dress code, ensuring their personal ______ meets company standards.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (There may be multiple correct answers)

  1. Which of the following terms refers to a person's entire collection of clothes? a) outfit b) garment c) wardrobe d) apparel
  2. Which of these words can describe a large, upright cabinet used for storing clothes, especially hanging items? a) chest of drawers b) wardrobe c) shelf unit d) armoire
  3. To improve her professional image, Sarah decided to update her work ______. a) costume b) wardrobe c) uniform d) equipment
  4. The antique store had a beautiful ornate ______ where she kept her family's precious china plates. a) cupboard b) wardrobe c) locker d) filing cabinet
  5. Before the important meeting, he ensured his tie was straight and his business ______ was impeccable. a) ensemble b) attire c) wardrobe d) accessory

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Rewrite the sentence to use "wardrobe" or a related word: To ensure a consistent brand image, all employees need to maintain a polished and suitable collection of business clothing.
  2. Rewrite the sentence to use "wardrobe" or a related word: The spacious wooden cabinet in the guest room was perfect for guests to hang their coats and dresses.
  3. Rewrite the sentence, without using "wardrobe" or a related word, using a suitable replacement: The manager's formal clothing for the gala was carefully selected for its elegance and quality.

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. wardrobe
  2. wardrobe
  3. dresser
  4. attire

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) wardrobe
  2. b) wardrobe, d) armoire
  3. b) wardrobe
  4. a) cupboard
  5. a) ensemble, b) attire

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. To ensure a consistent brand image, all employees need to maintain a polished and suitable professional wardrobe.
  2. The spacious wooden wardrobe in the guest room was perfect for guests to hang their coats and dresses.
  3. The manager's formal attire for the gala was carefully selected for its elegance and quality.

Comment ()