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coffer

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /ˈkɒf.ər/

KK: /ˈkɔfər/

noun
Definition

A strongbox or container used for storing money or valuables, often found in banks or used for safekeeping.


Example

The old coffer in the attic held many treasures from the past.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever seen a real coffer used in a museum?
Sloth B
No, I haven't! What does it look like?
Sloth A
It's usually a really ornate box where they keep valuable items.
Sloth B
That sounds interesting; I’d love to check it out sometime!

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
strongbox
treasury
vault
Antonyms
debt
loss
expenditure
transitive verb
Definition

To provide a structure, such as a ceiling, with decorative sunken panels or to place something into a coffer.


Example

The architect decided to coffer the ceiling to add an elegant touch to the room.


Tense Forms

Past: coffered

Past Participle: coffered


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you see how they coffer the ceiling in that new café?
Sloth B
Yeah, it looks really stylish and adds such a nice touch.
Sloth A
I wonder how long it took them to coffer it all.
Root Explanation

Coffer → The word 'coffer' originates from Old French 'cofre', meaning a chest or box for storing valuables. It refers to a container used for holding money or treasures.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'chest' or 'box' where valuables are kept — that's what a coffer is.

Visually Confused Words
scoffer
choffer
offer
uncoffer
scoffery
cosuffer
goffer
doffer
Is this page helpful?
Sloth B
Probably a while, but it's definitely worth the effort!

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
panel
indent
recess
Antonyms
flatten
expand
smooth