Starched - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Starched describes fabric that has been treated with starch to make it stiff and crisp, often used for formal clothing like shirts or table linens to maintain a neat appearance.
Definition:
Stiffened with starch, as in fabric or clothing.
Synonyms:
stiffened, rigid, formal, crisp
Part of Speech:
adjective, verb (past tense)
Antonyms:
limp, relaxed, soft
Common Collocations:
starched shirt, starched collar, starched uniform
Derivatives:
starching, starches
Usage Tips:
Use "starched" to describe stiffened fabric or overly formal behavior; avoid overuse in casual contexts.
Common Phrases:
starched and pressed, starched demeanor, starched professionalism
Etymology:
Derived from "starch," from Old English *stearc* ("stiff"), related to Dutch *sterk* ("strong").
Examples:
- 1. She wore a starched white blouse to the interview.
- 2. His starched manners made him seem unfriendly at first.
- 3. The nurse’s uniform was perfectly starched and clean.
- 4. Grandma always starched the tablecloth for special occasions.