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cosplay

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /ˈkɒspleɪ/

KK: /ˈkɒspleɪ/

noun
Definition

The practice of dressing up in costumes to represent a character from movies, video games, or other media, often associated with a specific subculture.


Example

At the convention, many fans participated in cosplay, showcasing their favorite characters.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you seen that new cosplay event happening this weekend?
Sloth B
Yeah, I heard it’s going to be really fun!
Sloth A
I’m thinking of dressing up as my favorite character for the cosplay.
Sloth B
That sounds awesome! I can't wait to see your outfit!

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
costume
roleplay
masquerade
Antonyms
reality
normalcy
authenticity
verb
Definition

To dress up as a character from a movie, book, or video game, often for a convention or event.


Example

She loves to cosplay as her favorite anime characters at conventions.


Tense Forms

Past: cosplayed

Past Participle: cosplayed


Conversation
Sloth A
Are you planning to cosplay at the convention this year?
Sloth B
Definitely! I can't wait to dress up as my favorite character.
Sloth A
That's awesome! Who are you going to cosplay as?
Sloth B
Root Explanation

Cosplay is formed from "costume" (from French *costume*, meaning a style of dress) and "play" (from Old English *plegian*, meaning to engage in activity or amusement). The word refers to the activity of dressing up in costumes and engaging in role-playing, often related to characters from movies, games, or comics.

Memory Tip

Imagine dressing up in a 'costume' and 'playing' a character — that's what cosplay is all about.

Visually Confused Words
splay
Is this page helpful?
I'm going as a character from that new anime we watched together.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
dress
impersonate
portray
Antonyms
neglect
ignore
disguise