Pronunciation: [lˈa͡ɪf vˈɛst] (IPA) 
The correct spelling of the term "life vest" is /laɪf vɛst/. This spelling reflects the proper pronunciation of the word, with the sound of the "i" in "life" being the same as the "i" in "eye." Additionally, the "e" in "vest" is pronounced with a short "e" sound, similar to the "e" in "best." By using the IPA phonetic transcription, the spelling of "life vest" is clear and illustrates the sounds within the word.
A life vest, also commonly known as a life jacket or personal flotation device, is a buoyant garment designed to aid in the safety and survival of individuals in water. It is specifically created to provide buoyancy and prevent drowning by keeping the wearer afloat in emergency situations.
Typically made from durable and buoyant materials such as foam or inflatable air chambers, a life vest is designed to be worn around the torso, covering the chest and upper body. It is equipped with adjustable straps and buckles for a secure fit, ensuring that it remains snugly fastened to the wearer during aquatic activities.
The main objective of a life vest is to distribute the weight of the wearer's body more evenly, allowing them to stay afloat in both calm and rough water conditions. It provides additional buoyancy to counteract the body's natural tendency to sink and maintain the wearer's head above water, enabling them to breathe and avoid asphyxiation.
Life vests are a fundamental safety measure for individuals engaging in various water-based activities, such as boating, swimming, fishing, or water sports. They are required safety equipment on many types of water vessels and are crucial in emergency situations, as they significantly increase the likelihood of survival by reducing the risk of drowning. Life vests are designed to meet specific safety standards and regulations established by authorities and organizations responsible for water safety.
The word "life vest" is a compound noun composed of two separate words: "life" and "vest".
1. Life: The term "life" comes from the Old English word "lif", which means "animated existence" or "livelihood". It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "libam" and the Proto-Indo-European root "leip", meaning "to remain", "to persevere", or "to continue".
2. Vest: The word "vest" is derived from the Old French word "veste", meaning "a sleeveless garment, robe". It originated from the Latin word "vestis", which broadly refers to any garment or clothing. "Vestis" shares its root with the Proto-Indo-European word "*wois-", meaning "to dress" or "to cover oneself".
