wear

To have clothes, shoes, or other things on your body.

• I wear a hat outside.
• She wore a blue dress yesterday.
• Are you wearing your new shoes?

Similar words: have on

Common phrases: wear a coat, wear shoes, wear glasses, wear a helmet

To regularly have something on your body, or keep your hair in a particular style.

• My father wears glasses.
• She wears her hair in a ponytail.
• He wore a beard for many years.

How to use it: wear your hair + adjective (She wears her hair short.)

Similar words: have, sport

Common phrases: wear your hair, wear glasses, wear a beard

To become thinner, weaker, or damaged through repeated use or rubbing.

• Cheap shoes wear quickly.
• The carpet has worn thin near the door.
• Years of walking wore down the stone steps.

How to use it: wear away (The stone steps have worn away.); wear something down (Repeated rubbing wore the surface down.)

Similar words: erode, deteriorate

Common phrases: wear thin, wear away, wear down

Damage caused by using something repeatedly or for a long time.

• The chair shows some wear.
• Heavy use caused wear on the floor.
• Check the tires for signs of wear.

Similar words: deterioration, damage

Common phrases: wear and tear, show wear, normal wear, signs of wear

Clothes intended for a particular activity, occasion, or group of people.

• This shop sells outdoor wear.
• Choose comfortable casual wear for the trip.
• Their new collection includes stylish maternity wear.

Similar words: clothing, clothes

Common phrases: casual wear, evening wear, outdoor wear