ENGLISH
REFERENCE

dons

v.
C2 Proficiency US //ˈdɑnz// UK //dˈɒnz// dons

v. to put on a piece of clothing. It is a more formal way to say you are dressing yourself.

v. to put on or dress oneself in an item of clothing. A contraction of 'do on', it is typically used in literary or formal contexts.


SIMPLE

He dons his coat before heading out into the cold.

CONTEXTUAL

The graduates wait in the hall to don their ceremonial robes before the procession begins.

COMPLEX

In a display of renewed authority, the monarch would don the heavy crown only for the most significant state occasions, preferring lighter headwear for daily duties.

Synonyms
Usage

The verb is transitive and requires a direct object, usually a specific garment.

Pitfall

He dons on his hatHe dons his hatThe verb 'don' already means 'put on'; adding the preposition 'on' is redundant.

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