plait
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /pleɪt/
KK: /plɛt/
noun
Definition
A type of braid, often made of hair or other materials, that is twisted together in a specific pattern.
Example
She wore her hair in a beautiful plait for the wedding.
Conversation
I love your hair today; that plait looks amazing!
Thanks! I decided to try something different for the party.
You should wear your hair like that more often; it really suits you.
I will! A nice plait is perfect for keeping it neat.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
braid
pleat
twist
Antonyms
unravel
loosen
straighten
transitive verb
Definition
To twist or braid strands of hair or other materials together to form a single structure.
Example
She decided to plait her hair before the party.
Tense Forms
Past: plaited
Past Participle: plaited
Conversation
I saw a really cute hairstyle tutorial online yesterday.
Oh really? What was it about?
It showed how to plait hair in a really unique way.
Root Explanation
Plait comes from Old French 'pleit' (meaning fold or braid), which is derived from the Latin 'plicare' (meaning to fold). The word 'plait' refers to the act of folding or braiding strands together.
Memory Tip
Think of 'folding' ('plicare') strands together to remember that 'plait' means to braid.
Visually Confused Words
plat
unplait
replait
plaudit
planity
palaite
split
splat