Suit
/suːt/
Definitions
5 meaningsA set of clothes comprising a jacket and trousers or a skirt, typically of the same fabric.
/suːt/
A set of clothes
The businessman always wears a dark suit to work.
💡 Simply: A suit is like a matching outfit, like a jacket and pants that go together. It's what some people wear to work or special parties. Imagine your favorite outfit: a suit!
👶 For kids: A suit is like a whole outfit with a jacket and pants or a skirt that match!
More Examples
She bought a new suit for the job interview.
The actor looked very smart in his tuxedo suit.
How It's Used
"He wore a three-piece suit to the business meeting."
"She chose a tailored suit for the gala."
A claim or dispute brought to a court of law for adjudication.
/suːt/
A legal action
The lawyer prepared a suit against the defendant.
💡 Simply: A suit is like a fight in court. People who think they've been treated unfairly bring a suit to ask a judge to make things right. Imagine you're unhappy about something and you want a court to solve it. That's like bringing a suit!
👶 For kids: A suit is when people go to court to try and fix a problem!
More Examples
The lawsuit took many months to resolve.
He decided to drop the suit because it was too expensive.
How It's Used
"The company filed a lawsuit against its competitor."
"She decided to bring a suit against the landlord."
One of the four sets of cards in a deck (hearts, diamonds, clubs, or spades).
/suːt/
One of the four sets of playing cards
The dealer dealt the cards, including one of each suit.
💡 Simply: In a deck of cards, there are four groups of cards: hearts, diamonds, clubs, and spades. Those are called suits. Imagine playing a card game: understanding suits is the first step!
👶 For kids: A suit is a group of cards that are all the same, like hearts or spades!
More Examples
She discarded a card from the suit of clubs.
The game requires players to follow suit when possible.
How It's Used
"The ace of spades is a high card in many games."
"He led with the king of hearts."
To be appropriate for or acceptable to.
/suːt/
To be appropriate or fitting
The warm weather suited the plants.
💡 Simply: If something 'suits' you, it's right for you or matches you well, like an outfit that's the perfect size or a job that uses your skills. If you can make it perfect, it suits you!
👶 For kids: If something suits you, it means it's good for you or fits just right!
More Examples
The film suited her mood.
That color suits her very well.
How It's Used
"The job suits her skills perfectly."
"The dress doesn't suit the occasion."
To make an appeal or request, to seek, pursue.
/suːt/
To make an appeal or request
The emissaries sued for peace to end the conflict.
💡 Simply: In an older usage, to 'suit' could mean to ask or request for something very earnestly, like you are asking for something with a lot of effort and trying hard. Imagine begging your parents for a new toy; that is a suit!
👶 For kids: Sometimes, suit means to ask for something in a very serious way.
More Examples
The prince sued for the hand of the princess.
He sued for leniency from the judge.
How It's Used
"The diplomat sued for peace."
"He sued for a new toy."
Synonyms
Attire
Ensemble
Outfit
Case
Lawsuit
Litigation
Set
Befit
Fit
Match
Petition
Idioms & expressions
follow suit
To do the same thing as someone else; to copy an action.
"When the first company lowered its prices, the others followed suit."
a suit of armour
A set of metal protective clothing worn in battle by knights.
"The knight was protected by a suit of armor during the joust."
From Old French *suite* (following, attendance), from Vulgar Latin *sequita* (a following), from Latin *sequi* (to follow).
Historically, 'suit' has been used since the 13th century, initially referring to a following or retinue. The legal sense evolved later.