starched
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /stɑːrtʃt/
KK: /stɑrtʃt/
adjective
Definition
Describing a garment that has been treated with starch to make it stiff and crisp.
Example
He wore a starched shirt to the formal dinner, making him look very neat.
Conversation
Are you going to wear that starched shirt to the party?
I might, but it feels a bit too formal for a casual get-together.
Yeah, I get that; you don't want to look too starched among everyone else.
Exactly! I think I'll just go for something more relaxed.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
stiff
rigid
formal
Antonyms
soft
loose
casual
verb
Definition
To treat fabric with a substance that makes it stiff and firm, often used in laundry to give clothes a crisp appearance.
Example
She starched the shirts to make them look neat and professional.
Tense Forms
Past: starched
Past Participle: starched
Conversation
Did you see how stiff my shirt looks today?
Yeah, it definitely looks starched!
I thought it would look better like this, but I might have overdone it.
Root Explanation
Starched → The word 'starched' comes from the Old English 'styrce' (meaning stiff or rigid) and is related to the Old French 'estarcher' (meaning to stiffen). The term refers to the process of stiffening fabric, typically by applying starch to it.
Memory Tip
Think of the word 'stiff' from 'styrce' to remember that 'starched' means to make fabric stiff.
Visually Confused Words
unstarched
arched
stairhead
mustached
striche
staired
stacher