Confusing Words in English: Dress, Get Dressed, & Dress Up

600+ Confusing English Words ExplainedThis is a free sample from the e-book  600+ Confusing English Words Explained. It will help clear up your doubts about how to use English words correctly, so that you can speak and write more confidently. Click here for more information!

Dress (n.)

A dress is a type of clothing that women wear:

She's wearing a red dress.
She’s wearing a red dress.

Dressed (adj.) / Get dressed (v.)

These words can be used with both men AND women.

“Get dressed” means to put on your clothes (the opposite is “get undressed”) and “dressed” can be used to describe what someone is wearing:

He's dressed in jeans and a yellow shirt.

Dress up (v.)

“Dress up” means to wear clothing that is special; clothing that is nicer than your regular everyday clothes:

They are dressed up for the banquet.

You can also use “dress up” + “as” for costumes:

He's dressed up as Superman.

Clear up your doubts about confusing words… and use English more confidently!

600+ Confusing English Words Explained

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Image sources: Vinod2012, Ken Stokes, Dave & Margie Hill / Kleerup