What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dishabille
Example
She answered the door in a state of dishabille, with her hair tousled and wearing only a bathrobe. [dishabille: noun]
Example
He preferred a look of dishabille, with his shirt untucked and his hair uncombed. [dishabille: adjective]
undress
Example
She undressed and put on her pajamas before going to bed. [undressed: past tense verb]
Example
The model posed in an undress state for the artist to paint. [undress: noun]
Example
The dress code for the event was formal, requiring guests to wear their best undress attire. [undress: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Undress is more commonly used than dishabille in everyday language. Undress is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while dishabille is less common and more literary.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dishabille and undress?
While undress can be used in both formal and informal contexts, dishabille is typically associated with a more literary or formal tone.