abito

Abito is the Italian noun for a garment worn to cover the body. It can refer to clothing in general or, more specifically, to a suit or dress that is coordinated as a single outfit. The word is masculine, with the singular l'abito and the plural gli abiti. In everyday usage, abito tends to indicate formal or tailored attire, while vestito is often used for clothing in a broader sense.

Etymology and origins: Abito derives from Latin habitus, meaning appearance or dress, and entered Italian with a focus on clothing and attire. Over time it developed into the standard term for a defined outfit or set of garments.

Usage and nuances: In fashion and tailoring, abito denotes a complete outfit, typically one that is coordinated. Common phrases include abito da sera (evening dress), abito da uomo or abito da donna (men's or women's suit). The term is widely used in contexts such as tailoring, etiquette, and descriptions of attire, sometimes overlapping with vestito or completo, depending on regional preference and formality.

Related terms and expressions: Abbigliamento and abiti are broader terms for clothing and attire. Vestimento is a more archaic or formal synonym for clothing, while costume can refer to historical, theatrical, or stylized outfits. A well-known proverb, L'abito non fa il monaco, expresses the idea that clothing does not reveal a person’s character.

Overall, abito remains a central word in Italian for describing formal or coordinated clothing, encompassing suits, dresses, and other complete outfits within everyday and fashion contexts.