velvet
velvet — noun
1. a type of fabric that has a short, thick layer of soft threads on one side, givi
a type of fabric that has a short, thick layer of soft threads on one side, giving it a smooth and slightly shiny surface; used for making clothes, curtains, and covers for furniture
Emma chose a deep burgundy velvet for her living room curtains.
uncountable noun for the fabric itself
The vintage evening bag was made of black velvet with gold clasps.
Tariro carefully brushed the dust off the velvet lining of her coat.
The designer worked with silk velvet to create the flowing evening gown.
Small pieces of crushed velvet can be used to make pretty hair accessories.
用法筆記
Velvet is an uncountable noun when referring to the material itself. You can say 'a velvet dress' but you cannot say 'a velvet' alone — say 'a piece of velvet' or 'some velvet' instead.
常見錯誤
velvet — adjective
1. crafted from velvet fabric or having its surface covered with velvet material
crafted from velvet fabric or having its surface covered with velvet material
The velvet curtains in the old theatre were dark red and very heavy.
Vikram bought a velvet cushion for his favourite reading chair.
A velvet ribbon held back Aylin's long dark hair during the ceremony.
Otis found a vintage velvet hat at the weekend market for a good price.
The hotel suite had velvet wallpaper on the wall behind the bed.
- velvety
describes a feel or look similar to velvet, not actual velvet fabric
用法筆記
Used only before a noun (attributive position) to describe objects made of velvet fabric. For predicative use, use a phrase like 'made of velvet' rather than 'is velvet'.
常見錯誤
2. having a pleasingly soft, smooth, and rich feel or appearance, similar to that o
having a pleasingly soft, smooth, and rich feel or appearance, similar to that of velvet cloth — used especially to describe skin, a singing voice, darkness, or deep colours
Tamar's voice had a velvet warmth that calmed the frightened child.
collocation: velvet warmth (voice quality)
The velvet darkness of the night sky was lit by thousands of tiny stars.
collocation: velvet darkness
The pianist produced a velvet tone that filled the concert hall with ease.
Élise painted the bedroom walls in a deep velvet blue that felt warm and cosy.
The old wooden table had a velvet surface after years of careful polishing.
- rough
having an uneven or coarse surface
用法筆記
This sense describes things that are not actually made of velvet but share its smooth, rich quality. It is commonly used with nouns for voice, skin, darkness, and deep colours such as 'velvet black' or 'velvet red'.