suits - Master This Word
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suits Word Meanings
- a set of clothing usually worn on formal occasions
- a lawsuit or legal action
- to be appropriate or acceptable
suits Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
suits Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/suːt/
US
/suːt/
suits Word Etymology
suit = su- (to follow) + it (to make). Originated from Latin 'suitare' through Old French to English. Picture a gentleman in a tailored suit, ready to follow social expectations with confidence.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I grip the jacket and move to the mirror, sliding the sleeve over my hand. I pull at the lapels, shift my shoulders, and adjust the buttons until the fabric sits right. The quiet effort feels like a small test, a moment to decide if this outfit keeps the lines neat and the mood formal. When I walk out, the suit seems to be doing its quiet work—making the scene look proper and guiding how I carry myself.
Real Context
Suit is a small but versatile word in English with three broad senses. As a noun, a suit is a coordinated set of clothes, most commonly a jacket and trousers or a skirt, worn for formal or business occasions. It also means a lawsuit or legal action, a 'suit' filed in court. As a verb 'to suit' means to be appropriate or acceptable for a person or purpose, often followed by 'someone' or 'something' (that suit you well). The word has roots in Latin, via Old French, evolving from the idea of following or matching, which is why a suit should match the wearer and the occasion. A colorful tie can make or break the suit’s impact.
Usage Reminders
- Recognize three senses: clothing, legal action, and to suit.
- Use 'suit' with objects: this suit fits you, this plan suits you.
- Differentiate 'suit' from 'suite' in spelling and meaning.
- Know common collocations: suit the occasion, lawsuit, well-suited.
- Be careful with idioms like 'suit yourself' and 'well-suited for'.
- Avoid overgeneralizing 'to suit' as simply 'to please'.
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking 'suit' only means clothing.
- Confusing 'suit' with 'suite' due to pronunciation.
- Using 'to suit' without an object (incorrect: 'This suits' without what).
- Assuming 'lawsuit' and 'suit' share the same usage in everyday speech.
- Translating 'suit' as 'to please' rather than 'to fit/appropriate'.
Thinking Differences
Three main senses can confuse learners: clothing, legal action, and a verb meaning to fit. English relies on context to resolve which meaning is intended; other languages may use different words for each sense, increasing translation errors. Focus on collocations: suit you, suit the occasion, lawsuit.
Learning Tips
- Identify suit as clothing, a legal action, and a verb meaning to fit.
- Use collocations like suit the occasion and lawsuit correctly.
- Keep straight the noun vs verb usage in context.
- Mind the homophone risk with suite.
- Learn idioms like suit yourself and well-suited for.
- Practice with real-life contexts (interviews, legal news, fashion).
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
🔥 Advanced
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