donned

Donned is the past tense and past participle of the verb to don, meaning to put on clothing or dress oneself in something. In modern usage, donned is primarily found in formal, literary, or journalistic prose and is less common in everyday speech, where put on is more typical.

Etymology and roots accompany the word’s formal tone. The verb to don dates from Middle English, with its precise origins uncertain. It is generally considered to have entered English through historical contact with Old French and developed a more ceremonial or elevated sense over time. Today it remains a literary and formal option for describing the act of clothing oneself.

Usage and grammar notes. Don takes a direct object that specifies what is worn, as in she donned a cloak or he donned his helmet. The form donned functions as both the simple past and the past participle, allowing constructions such as she had donned the armor or she has donned a new coat. While synonymous with put on, donned conveys a sense of deliberate preparation, formality, or ceremonial attire.

Common contexts and connotations. Don is often used in narrative writing, reportages about uniformed dress, or ceremonial settings. It can also appear in metaphorical or elevated language, though in everyday language writers typically prefer put on or dress.

See also. Donning, don, put on, wear, attire.