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0 English - Monolingual Dictionary

Closet

ˈklɑzət
Very common
~ 1100
~ 1100, Very common
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
Small room or cupboard used for storage, Secret or private place, To hide or cover up something

Closet - Meanings

Small room or cupboard used for storage

Example: She keeps her clothes in the closet.
Usage: informalContext: everyday conversations
Note: Commonly used to refer to a storage space for clothes or other items.

Secret or private place

Example: He came out of the closet and told his family he was gay.
Usage: informalContext: discussing personal matters
Note: Often used metaphorically to describe revealing something that was previously hidden or kept private.

To hide or cover up something

Example: She tends to closet her true feelings to avoid conflict.
Usage: formalContext: formal writing or speeches
Note: This usage is more common in formal contexts and literature.

Closet's synonyms

wardrobe

A wardrobe is a piece of furniture used for storing clothes and other personal items.
Example: She kept her dresses neatly hung in the wardrobe.
Note: Wardrobe is often a larger piece of furniture used for storing clothes, whereas a closet can refer to a small enclosed space for storage.

cupboard

A cupboard is a cabinet with shelves or drawers for storing items.
Example: The dishes were stored in the kitchen cupboard.
Note: A cupboard is typically used for storing kitchen items or dishes, while a closet is more commonly used for clothes or general storage.

cabinet

A cabinet is a piece of furniture with doors and shelves used for storage.
Example: He kept his important documents locked in the cabinet.
Note: A cabinet is often used for storing a variety of items, including documents, dishes, or other belongings, whereas a closet is more specifically used for clothes or personal items.

storage space

Storage space refers to any area or container used for storing items.
Example: The apartment lacked sufficient storage space for all their belongings.
Note: Storage space is a general term that can encompass various types of storage areas, including closets, cabinets, or wardrobes.

Closet expressions, common phrases

Skeleton in the closet

This idiom refers to a shameful or embarrassing secret that someone wants to keep hidden.
Example: She has a skeleton in her closet that she doesn't want anyone to know about.
Note: The original word 'closet' refers to a storage space, while the idiom 'skeleton in the closet' has a figurative meaning.

Come out of the closet

To reveal or make public something that was previously kept secret, especially regarding one's sexual orientation or beliefs.
Example: After years of hiding his true identity, he finally came out of the closet and told his family he was gay.
Note: In this idiom, 'closet' symbolizes secrecy or hiding, whereas the original word refers to a storage area.

Closeted

To keep something hidden or secret, especially about one's identity, beliefs, or personal life.
Example: She was closeted about her relationship with him for years.
Note: While 'closet' refers to a storage space, 'closeted' is an adjective indicating secrecy or concealment.

In the closet

To be secretive or discreet about something, often related to one's true identity, beliefs, or preferences.
Example: Many people are still in the closet about their true feelings on the matter.
Note: In this context, 'closet' signifies privacy or concealment, contrasting with its literal meaning of a storage area.

Clean out the closet

To declutter or organize one's belongings by removing unnecessary or outdated items.
Example: It's time to clean out the closet and get rid of all the clothes we don't wear anymore.
Note: While 'closet' originally refers to a storage space, 'clean out the closet' involves the action of organizing or purging items within it.

Closet space

The physical area within a room designated for storing clothes, shoes, or other items.
Example: The apartment has limited closet space, so we had to get creative with storage solutions.
Note: This phrase directly relates to the original word 'closet,' indicating the space available for storage.

Out of the closet

To no longer hide one's true identity, beliefs, or preferences and to be open about them.
Example: After years of secrecy, she finally came out of the closet and shared her true feelings with the world.
Note: Contrary to the original meaning of 'closet' as a storage space, 'out of the closet' refers to being open and honest about oneself.

Closet everyday (slang) expressions

Narnia

Used to describe a very cluttered or crowded space, referencing the magical world of Narnia which is known for its vastness.
Example: She has so many books in her room; it's like Narnia in there!
Note: It uses 'Narnia' to imply excessiveness or overwhelmingness in contrast to the orderly nature of a closet.

Walk-in

Refers to a large, spacious closet that is big enough to walk into and browse through one's clothing and accessories.
Example: His closet is huge; it's like a walk-in wardrobe!
Note: It highlights the size and convenience of the closet compared to a standard closet size.

Skeletons

Refers to hidden or undisclosed secrets or embarrassing information about someone's past that they wish to keep hidden.
Example: Everyone has skeletons in their closet; it's just a matter of time before they come out.
Note: While using 'closet', it alludes to dark or uncomfortable secrets rather than storing clothes.

Top shelf

Describes something of high quality or excellence, often used to praise or compliment something.
Example: That joke was top shelf; it had everyone laughing.
Note: Relates to being placed on the highest, most visible, and valuable shelf in a closet, but metaphorically means the best or top tier.

Under wraps

Means keeping something secret or confidential, not to be disclosed or revealed at the moment.
Example: I can't tell you yet; it's still under wraps.
Note: Refers to the practice of wrapping up or covering something to keep it hidden, but here it implies keeping information concealed.

Air the dirty laundry

To publicly discuss or reveal private or embarrassing information that was previously kept secret.
Example: It's time to air the dirty laundry and discuss the issues facing this company.
Note: Uses 'closet' imagery to suggest bringing out and exposing hidden, shameful information rather than airing out clothes.

Closet - Examples

The closet is full of clothes.
She organized her shoes in the wardrobe.
He found his favorite shirt in the clothes closet.

Closet grammar

Closet - Noun (Noun) / Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass)
Lemma: closet
Conjugations
Adjective (Adjective): closet
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): closets
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): closet
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): closeted
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): closeting
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): closets
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): closet
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): closet
Syllabification and Stress
closet Contains 2 syllables: clos • et
Phonetic transcription: ˈklä-zət
clos et , ˈklä zət (The red syllable is stressed)

Closet - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
closet: ~ 1100 (Very common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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