Bespoke is a term that is commonly used in the fashion industry to describe custom-made clothing, but it can also be used in other contexts. This article will explore the definition and meaning of bespoke, its origin, and its associations.
Definitions
Bespoke is an adjective that describes something that has been made to order or customized to fit a particular person or purpose. It can refer to clothing, furniture, or any other product that has been tailored to meet a specific set of requirements.
Origin
The word bespoke comes from the Old English word besprecan, which means “to speak about” or “to discuss.” Over time, the word came to be associated with the act of ordering or commissioning something, and it eventually took on its current meaning of “custom-made” or “made to order.”
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, bespoke means “made to order or custom-made.” The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines it as “made to individual order.” The Cambridge dictionary defines it as “made to fit a particular person.”
Associations
Bespoke is often associated with luxury and exclusivity. It is commonly used to describe high-end clothing, such as bespoke suits or bespoke shoes. However, it can also be used to describe custom-made furniture, jewelry, or other products.
Synonyms
Synonyms for bespoke include custom-made, made-to-order, tailor-made, and personalized.
Antonyms
Antonyms for bespoke include off-the-shelf, ready-made, and mass-produced.
The same root words
The word bespeak is a related word that comes from the same root as bespoke. It means “to order or reserve in advance.” The word bespoken is another related word that means “ordered or commissioned in advance.”
Example Sentences
- I had a bespoke suit made for my wedding.
- The furniture in the hotel lobby was all bespoke.
- The company specializes in bespoke jewelry.
- He ordered a bespoke bicycle that was custom-made to fit his measurements.
- The chef created a bespoke menu for the event.