déshabillé

Definition

1. Noun:

   • A state of partial undress: "déshabillé" refers to the condition of being partially or casually dressed, often in a loose or informal garment, typically worn at home or in a relaxed setting. It can imply a state of undress or negligée.
   • A loose garment: Specifically, a type of lightweight, loose-fitting robe or gown, often worn by women as a dressing gown or for lounging.

2. Adjective:

   • Casually or scantily dressed: Describes someone who is in a state of partial undress or wearing informal, revealing clothing.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • She answered the door in her déshabillé, looking elegant despite her casual attire. (She wore a loose robe, indicating a relaxed, undressed state.)

• Adjective:

  • The artist painted a portrait of the model in a déshabillé pose, with a sheer scarf draped over her shoulders. (The model was partially undressed in a casual manner.)

Advanced Usage

• "in déshabillé": a phrase used to describe someone who is not fully dressed, often in a state of undress that is considered informal or intimate.
  • The hostess received her guests in déshabillé, which surprised them as it was an official dinner. (She appeared in a casual, partially dressed state, inappropriate for the occasion.)

Variants and Related Words

• Déshabillé (also spelled ): the same term, often used in English contexts to denote a state of undress or a loose garment.
  • She wore a silk deshabille while reading in her boudoir. (A silk robe for lounging.)

Synonyms

• Negligée: a woman's light, loose dressing gown, often trimmed with lace.
• Undress: the state of being partially or fully without clothes.
• Loungewear: comfortable clothing worn at home.

Related Idioms

• In a state of déshabillé: to be dressed in a casual, incomplete, or revealing manner.
  • The celebrity was photographed in a state of déshabillé, which caused a media frenzy. (She was caught in a partially dressed state.)

Etymology Note

• The word is borrowed from French, where literally means "undressed" (from "un-" + "dressed"). It entered English in the 17th century, retaining its connotations of informal, intimate attire.