ENGLISH
REFERENCE

toga

n. countable
C2 Proficiency US //ˈtoʊɡə// UK //tˈəʊɡɐ// to·ga Archaic

n. a long, wide piece of cloth that ancient Romans wore as a formal dress. It was usually made of white wool and wrapped around the body.

n. a distinctive garment of the ancient Roman Republic and Empire, consisting of a large semicircular cloth of wool, typically white, wrapped around the body. Often used as a symbol of Roman citizenship or authority.


SIMPLE

The actor wore a white toga for the play.

CONTEXTUAL

In many history books, you will see illustrations of Roman senators wearing a toga as a sign of their high status.

COMPLEX

The transition from the simple tunic to the elaborate toga marked a significant shift in Roman social hierarchy, eventually becoming a legal requirement for those holding public office.

Origin

Borrowed directly from Latin toga, from tegō (“I clothe”). Doublet of toge. The Philippine (and Indonesian) senses are due to the resemblance of the white ceremonial gowns worn by graduates of institutions to the loose outer garment worn by the citizens of Ancient Rome.

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