polonaise

/,pɔlə'neiz/

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Explanation of "Polonaise"

Definition:
A "polonaise" is a type of woman's dress that has a fitted bodice (the top part that fits closely to the body) and a special design where the overskirt (the outer layer of the dress) is pulled back or gathered up. This style reveals a colorful underskirt (the layer underneath the outer dress).

Usage Instructions:

• When to use: You can use the word "polonaise" when discussing fashion, historical clothing, or specific styles of dresses.
• How to use it in a sentence: "At the costume party, she wore a beautiful polonaise that had a bright blue underskirt."

Example:

• "The wedding dress was designed as a polonaise, showcasing exquisite embroidery on the underskirt."

Advanced Usage:

• The term "polonaise" can also refer to the style of music or dance originating from Poland, which has a slow, stately rhythm. For example, "Chopin's Polonaise is one of his most famous piano compositions."

Word Variants:

• Polonais (adjective): Relating to Poland or its culture.
• Polonaise (music): Referring to a dance or musical form.

Different Meanings:

1. Fashion: As described above.
2. Music/Dance: A dance in triple meter that originated in Poland, often performed at a slow tempo.

Synonyms:

• For the dress: "overskirt dress," "gathered dress."
• For the dance: "Polish dance."

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "polonaise," but you might hear phrases like "to pull back the skirts," which could describe a similar action to that of the dress.

Summary:

A "polonaise" can describe a stylish and historic women's dress with an elegant design or a type of dance/music.

Academic

Noun

1. a woman's dress with a tight bodice and an overskirt drawn back to reveal a colorful underskirt