underdress
|un/der/dress|
🇺🇸
/ˌʌndərˈdrɛs/
🇬🇧
/ˌʌndəˈdrɛs/
dressing beneath
Etymology
'underdress' originates from Middle English, specifically the prefix 'under-' meaning 'beneath' and the word 'dress' meaning 'clothing'.
'underdress' changed from the Middle English word 'underdressen' and eventually became the modern English word 'underdress'.
Initially, it meant 'to dress beneath or under', but over time it evolved into its current meanings of dressing too casually or a garment worn beneath outer clothes.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a garment worn under outer clothes, typically a slip or petticoat.
She wore a silk underdress beneath her gown.
Synonyms
Verb 1
to dress in a manner that is too casual or informal for a particular occasion.
He underdressed for the formal dinner.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/31 15:51