What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
corset
Example
She wore a corset under her wedding dress to achieve a more flattering silhouette. [corset: noun]
Example
The actress had to wear a corset during filming to accurately portray the fashion of the time period. [corset: noun]
stay
Example
She wore a stay to improve her posture and support her back. [stay: noun]
Example
The historical reenactor wore a stay to accurately depict the clothing of the time period. [stay: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Corset is more commonly used than stay in everyday language, especially in reference to historical fashion and women's undergarments. Stay is less well-known and has a more unisex history.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between corset and stay?
Both corset and stay are associated with formal attire and historical fashion, but corset is generally considered more formal and associated with women's undergarments, while stay is less formal and can be worn by both men and women for posture improvement.
