The beret is a soft, round, flat-crowned hat that is usually made of wool or felt. It is a popular fashion accessory that has been worn by people of all ages and genders for many years. In this article, we will explore the meaning and definition of the beret, its origin, and its associations.
Definitions
The beret is defined as a soft, round, flat-crowned hat that is usually made of wool or felt and is worn by both men and women. It is typically worn tilted to one side and can be decorated with a variety of embellishments such as pins, badges, and patches.
Origin
The beret has its origins in the Basque region of France and Spain, where it was worn by shepherds as a practical hat to protect them from the sun and rain. It then became popular among military units in France during the 19th and 20th centuries, and eventually became a fashion accessory for civilians.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a beret is “a soft round cap with a flat top and a close-fitting headband.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “a soft, round, flat-crowned hat of wool or felt, typically worn tilted to one side.”
Associations
The beret is often associated with French culture, as it has been worn by French artists, intellectuals, and military personnel. It is also associated with the Beatnik and Bohemian subcultures of the 1950s and 1960s, as well as with the Black Panther Party in the United States during the 1960s.
Synonyms
Synonyms for beret include cap, hat, tam, and tam-o’-shanter.
Antonyms
Antonyms for beret include helmet, fedora, and baseball cap.
The same root words
The word “beret” is derived from the Old Occitan word “berret,” which means “cap.”
Example Sentences
- She wore a black beret with a red feather in it.
- The soldiers all wore green berets as part of their uniform.
- He tilted his beret to the side and smiled.