Cool MateCostume vs Outfit
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Costume
Top 2,000 (common)B1noun
Outfit
Top 2,000 (common)B2noun
| Costume | Outfit | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈkɒstjuːm/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈkɑːstuːm/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈaʊtfɪt/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈaʊtfɪt/"]/ |
| Meaning | An outfit worn for a particular occasion, often for parties or performances. | A set of clothes worn together for a specific occasion. |
| Example | She wore a vibrant costume for the Halloween party. | She was wearing an expensive new outfit. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B1 | B2 |
| Part of speech | noun | noun |
| Collocations | full, colourful/colorful, elaborate, be dressed in, dress in, have on, design, designer, drama, in costume, full, colourful/colorful, elaborate, be dressed in, dress in, have on, design, designer, drama, in costume | complete, new, summer, wear, choose, pick, in a/the outfit, large, small, professional |
| Antonyms | nudity, plainness | undress, disrobe |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'custom', meaning a practice or habit., Using 'costume' for regular clothes instead of special outfits. | Using 'outfits' as a singular noun., Confusing 'outfit' with 'clothing' which is more general., Using 'outfit' only for formal wear; it applies to casual wear too. |
| Usage notes | Use 'costume' when referring to clothing for events like Halloween or theatrical performances. Avoid using it in formal contexts not related to dress or play. | Use 'outfit' when talking about clothes for events (like parties, work, etc.). It's neutral, so it fits both casual and formal contexts. |
Frequently asked questions: Costume vs Outfit
What's the difference between Costume and Outfit?
Costume: An outfit worn for a particular occasion, often for parties or performances. Outfit: A set of clothes worn together for a specific occasion.
Which is more advanced: Costume and Outfit?
Outfit is the highest level, at B2, on the CEFR scale.
Are Costume and Outfit the same CEFR level?
Costume: B1, Outfit: B2 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Costume and Outfit?
Costume: noun, Outfit: noun.
Can you show an example of each?
Costume: She wore a vibrant costume for the Halloween party. Outfit: She was wearing an expensive new outfit.
Can I use Costume and Outfit interchangeably?
Not always. Costume and Outfit are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.