The word "clothes" is spelled with a silent "th" and pronounced as /kloʊz/. The "th" combination comes from Old English, where it was pronounced as a dental fricative sound, like in the word "bath". Over time, the sound evolved into a voiced dental fricative (/ð/) in some dialects, like in the word "feather", but it remained unvoiced (/θ/) in others, like in "clothes". This spelling rule can be confusing for English learners, but it's important to remember to include both the "th" and "s" sounds when pronouncing the word.
Clothes, in the context of human use, refer to the garments or articles typically worn on the body to provide protection, modesty, and adornment. These items are usually made from various materials, such as fabric, leather, or synthetic fibers, and are designed to fit different body shapes and sizes.
Clothes can be categorized into different types, including tops (such as shirts, blouses, and sweaters), bottoms (such as pants, skirts, and shorts), outerwear (such as coats, jackets, and cardigans), and undergarments (such as bras, underwear, and socks). Additionally, clothes encompass accessories like hats, scarves, gloves, belts, and jewelry, which are worn to complement and enhance one's attire.
The purpose of clothes is multifaceted. Primarily, they serve to protect the body from environmental elements, such as extreme temperatures, sunlight, or physical harm. Clothes also fulfill cultural and societal norms, as they can reflect personal style, social status, and individual expression. Furthermore, they contribute to social conventions and expectations regarding modesty and appropriateness in various settings, including work, religious institutions, or special events.
Throughout history, clothes have evolved significantly, influenced by cultural, technological, and fashion trends. The design, manufacture, and sale of clothes have become a prominent industry worldwide, encompassing numerous designers, brands, and retailers. People often buy clothes for functional purposes, fashion preferences, or to conform to specific dress codes.
Overall, clothes are integral to human civilization, representing not just a basic necessity but a means of self-presentation, protection, and conformity to social norms.
Garments or dress for the body; bedclothes, coverings of a bed.
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 "clothes" has an interesting etymology. It can be traced back to the Old English word "clāþas", which can be further traced to the Proto-Germanic word "klaiþō". This Proto-Germanic word shares its origins with the Old Norse word "klæði" and the Old Frisian word "klāth". All of these words essentially mean "cloth" or "garment". The word "clothes" reached its current form through various historical developments, and it has been used to refer to garments or items of clothing since the Middle English period.