Suit Meaning

UK /suːt/
US /suːt/
Word Definition
suit meaning

Suit Definition & Usage

noun

A set of clothes made from the same material, typically consisting of a jacket and trousers or a skirt, often worn for formal occasions.

Examples

  • "He looked dashing in a sharp navy blue suit at the wedding."
  • "The CEO walked into the boardroom wearing a bespoke suit."
  • "She always wears a suit to work, even on casual Fridays."
  • "The groom and his groomsmen all wore matching suits for the ceremony."
  • "After the meeting, he quickly changed out of his suit and into something more comfortable."
verb

To be appropriate, acceptable, or pleasing for a particular purpose, situation, or person.

Examples

  • "This outfit suits you perfectly; it brings out your eyes."
  • "The new policy doesn't suit the needs of the employees."
  • "I don't think this color will suit the room's decor."
  • "Does this job offer suit your career aspirations?"
  • "The new system suits our company's needs much better than the old one."
noun

A legal action or claim; a lawsuit or case brought before a court.

Examples

  • "The company is currently facing a suit for breach of contract."
  • "She filed a suit against her landlord for failing to make repairs."
  • "The lawsuit was dismissed, and the suit was dropped after mediation."
  • "They lost the suit, but appealed the court's decision."
  • "His wrongful dismissal suit took years to settle."
verb

To make an attempt or effort to achieve something, typically by following a specific course of action.

Examples

  • "The company is suiting up for the new product launch next month."
  • "They suited their approach to the local market conditions."
  • "He suited his arguments to the audience’s interests to make a better impression."
  • "In the upcoming election, she’s suiting her policies to appeal to younger voters."
  • "The manager suited the training program to meet the needs of the employees."

Cultural Context

The word 'suit' comes from the Old French 'suite', meaning a following or set of things, stemming from the verb 'suivre', to follow. Historically, suits as formal wear were popularized in the 19th century and have since evolved to represent both business and ceremonial attire in Western culture. In modern times, 'suit' is also commonly used in business jargon to refer to high-ranking professionals, such as 'suits' for executives or corporate leaders.

The Perfect Suit

Story

The Perfect Suit

In the heart of New York City, Sam stood in front of the mirror, adjusting his tie. His new suit, a sleek charcoal gray number, fit perfectly. It was the kind of suit that made him feel invincible. He had always dreamed of working in the corporate world, and today was his big day—his first interview at the prestigious law firm. As he stepped out onto the crowded streets, Sam felt a sense of confidence. The suit, the polished shoes, the sharp lines of the jacket—it all worked together to give him a sense of purpose. But as he walked down the street, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of doubt. Did the job suit him? Was this the life he truly wanted? The interview went well, but the firm’s offer was contingent on his decision. Sam needed to make a choice. The corporate world had a lot of allure, but was it really the right fit for him? Later that night, he called his sister, Sarah, to talk it over. ‘Sam, you need to think about what suits you best. If this job fits your long-term goals, then go for it. But don’t chase the suit for the sake of the suit—chase what suits you.’ After a long night of reflection, Sam realized that the suit wasn’t just about how it looked or even how it made him feel—it was about finding the place where his talents and aspirations truly suited each other. He declined the offer, and a few months later, he found himself pursuing a career in a startup, where he could wear jeans and a T-shirt but still feel just as sharp as any businessman in a suit. The lesson Sam learned was clear: the right suit isn’t just about the clothes you wear—it’s about finding what suits you in life.

The Perfect Suit