The word Costume is spelled as /ˈkɒstjuːm/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The word is derived from the French word "costume", which means dress or habit. The spelling of the word includes the vowel sound /ɒ/ as in "hot", followed by the consonant sound /s/ and the diphthong sound /juː/ as in "ew". The final sound is the nasal consonant sound /m/. In English, the word refers to a set of clothing worn to portray a particular character or profession, especially in a play or film.
A costume refers to a set of garments or accessories worn by an individual to represent a particular character, group, period, or theme for various purposes, such as theatrical performances, cultural celebrations, parties, and events. It involves the deliberate selection and arrangement of clothing, props, and embellishments to create a distinctive appearance that embodies the intended representation.
Costumes often serve to visually convey important information about a character's identity, role, social status, historical era, or cultural background. They can range from elaborate and highly detailed ensembles to simpler and more generic outfits, depending on the context and intention. The construction and design of costumes may involve a wide range of materials, including fabrics, textiles, ornaments, and accessories like hats, masks, wigs, or footwear.
In addition to theatrical and entertainment purposes, costumes are often worn during masquerades, Halloween festivities, themed parties, parades, and historical reenactments. They allow individuals to assume alternative identities, express creativity, and immerse themselves in different roles or eras. Furthermore, costumes play a significant role in storytelling by enhancing the visual aspects and overall experience for both performers and audience members.
Overall, whether for professional performances or personal enjoyment, costumes are essential elements in creating a transformative experience, highlighting the visual aesthetics, and bringing characters and themes to life in various cultural, historical, and artistic contexts.
Style of dress; the mode of dress peculiar to any people, or nation, or age.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "costume" has its roots in the French word "costume" which means "fashion" or "custom". It was derived from the Latin word "consuetudo", meaning "custom" or "habit". The term expanded to refer specifically to the attire worn by characters in a play or a specific role, and then came to encompass the clothing worn during various festivities or events.