to be dressed

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   Wearing clothes, especially clothes of a particular kind or for a particular occasion.

   Grammar: Used with 'be' or other linking verbs: She is dressed. It is not used for the action of putting clothes on.

   Patterns

   • be dressed in something
   • be dressed for something
   • be dressed as someone
   • be well dressed

   She was dressed in a blue suit for the interview.

   The children were dressed as animals for the school play.

   He is always well dressed, even on weekends.

2. 2phrasefixed phrase

   Having your clothes on, especially after getting ready.

   Grammar: Often used in the phrase 'be dressed and ready'. Contrast with 'get dressed', which is the action.

   Patterns

   • be dressed and ready
   • be fully dressed

   Are you dressed yet? We need to leave.

   By seven o'clock she was fully dressed and ready for work.

   He answered the door before he was properly dressed.

Common combinations

dressed in black

Everyone at the funeral was dressed in black.

dressed for the occasion

She was dressed for the occasion in a long gown.

dressed as a character

For Halloween, he was dressed as a pirate.

well dressed

The well-dressed man walked into the room.

fully dressed

She was fully dressed when the guests arrived.

Synonyms and how they differ

clothed

More formal and general; often used in written descriptions or official contexts.

attired

Very formal; used mainly in literature or formal writing.

Opposites

Word family

dress verb

To put clothes on yourself or someone else.

dressing noun

The act of putting on clothes, or a sauce for salad.

dress noun

A piece of clothing for a woman or girl.

Commonly confused: to be dressed or get dressed?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “to be dressed”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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