shorts
Shorts are a type of clothing worn on the lower part of the body that covers the hips and the tops of the legs. They are typically worn in warm weather or during physical activities like sports and exercise.
Examples
3 of 5I usually wear shorts and a T-shirt when I go to the beach.
I usually wear shorts and a T-shirt when I go to the beach.
The formal dress code for the garden party explicitly forbids denim shorts.
The formal dress code for the garden party explicitly forbids denim shorts.
Grab your shorts and let's go play some football in the park!
Grab your shorts and let's go play some football in the park!
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of trousers that were 'shortened' until they became 'shorts'.
Quick Quiz
The sun is shining today, so I am going to put on my favorite _______.
Correct!
The correct answer is: shorts
Examples
I usually wear shorts and a T-shirt when I go to the beach.
everydayI usually wear shorts and a T-shirt when I go to the beach.
The formal dress code for the garden party explicitly forbids denim shorts.
formalThe formal dress code for the garden party explicitly forbids denim shorts.
Grab your shorts and let's go play some football in the park!
informalGrab your shorts and let's go play some football in the park!
Research indicates that specialized compression shorts can improve athletic performance and recovery.
academicResearch indicates that specialized compression shorts can improve athletic performance and recovery.
Our summer business-casual policy allows for tailored shorts in the office.
businessOur summer business-casual policy allows for tailored shorts in the office.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Bermuda shorts
Bermuda shorts
board shorts
board shorts
cycling shorts
cycling shorts
Often Confused With
Short is an adjective describing length, while shorts is a noun referring to the clothing item.
Pants cover the entire leg to the ankle, whereas shorts only cover the upper part of the leg.
Usage Notes
The word 'shorts' is a 'pluralia tantum' noun, meaning it is always used in the plural form even when referring to one item.
Common Mistakes
Learners often say 'a short' when they mean one pair. You should say 'a pair of shorts' or simply 'shorts'.
Memory Tip
Think of trousers that were 'shortened' until they became 'shorts'.
Word Origin
Derived from the Old English word 'sceort', meaning 'not long'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In many Western cultures, shorts are considered casual attire and are often restricted in professional or religious environments.
Quick Quiz
The sun is shining today, so I am going to put on my favorite _______.
Correct!
The correct answer is: shorts
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
bishop
B2To admit a person into the Christian church through the rite of confirmation performed by a bishop. It can also refer to the formal act of ordaining or appointing someone to the office of bishop.
bit
B2In this specific context, it describes something that is minor, secondary, or small in scale, often referring to roles or components within a larger system. It is frequently used attributively to indicate that a part or person has limited importance or duration.
bitterly
B2An adverb used to describe actions or feelings done with intense resentment, deep disappointment, or extreme harshness. It is also frequently used to emphasize that weather conditions are painfully cold.
bivalve
B2A bivalve is an aquatic mollusk with a body enclosed within a hinged shell that consists of two distinct parts. This group includes well-known creatures like clams, oysters, mussels, and scallops, which are often harvested for food or studied for their environmental impact.
bizarrely
B2In a very strange or unusual manner that is often difficult to explain or expect. It is used to describe actions, appearances, or situations that deviate significantly from what is considered normal.
blackberry
B2To go out and gather wild blackberries from bushes, typically during late summer or early autumn. It describes the specific recreational or foraging activity of picking these berries in nature.
blackcurrant
B2Describing something that has the flavor, scent, or dark purple color of the blackcurrant berry. It is frequently used to characterize food products, beverages, and scents derived from the Ribes nigrum plant.
blackhead
B2A small, dark-colored bump on the skin caused by a clogged hair follicle where oil and skin cells have oxidized upon contact with air. They are a mild type of acne that commonly appears on the face, particularly on the nose and chin.
blackmail
B2To demand money, favors, or specific actions from someone by threatening to reveal embarrassing or damaging information about them. It involves using a person's secrets or weaknesses as a way to coerce them into compliance.
blackness
B2The state, quality, or condition of being black or completely dark. In academic and sociological contexts, it often refers to the historical, cultural, and social identity associated with people of African descent.
Comments (0)
Login to CommentStart learning languages for free
Start Learning Free