vest

[/vest/]
noun/verbpl: vests
colete
1. (noun) A sleeveless garment worn over a shirt, typically buttoned in front
He wore a brown leather vest over his white shirt.
Ele usava um colete de couro marrom sobre sua camisa branca.
2. (noun) An undershirt or singlet, especially in British English
The man wore a white vest under his suit jacket.
O homem usava uma camiseta branca sob sua jaqueta de terno.
3. (noun) A protective garment worn for safety purposes, such as a life vest or safety vest
Swimmers must wear a life vest when boating.
Os nadadores devem usar um colete salva-vidas ao navegar.
4. (verb) To place power, authority, or property in someone officially
The president vested authority in the new committee.
O presidente conferiu autoridade ao novo comitê.
5. (verb) To become legally fixed or established, as rights or interests
The inheritance vests in the beneficiary upon the death of the testator.
A herança se torna direito do beneficiário após a morte do testador.
In American English, 'vest' typically refers to a sleeveless outer garment or a safety/protective vest. In British English, 'vest' commonly means an undershirt (what Americans call a tank top or A-shirt). In Brazil, 'colete' is the standard term for vests, particularly in formal wear (colete de terno) or safety contexts (colete salva-vidas). The verb form 'to vest' is primarily used in legal and formal contexts in both English and Portuguese.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
waistcoatsleeveless jacketsinglettank topundershirt
Antonyms / Antônimos
jacketcoat

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
colete
Standard term for the garment; also used for safety vests
Rio de Janeiro
colete
Common usage for both fashion and safety vests
São Paulo
colete
Standard term; may also use 'colete de segurança' for safety vests
Portugal
colete/colete
Portuguese also uses 'camisola' for undershirt context

Related Words

waistcoatcardiganblazershirtclothingapparelauthority

Related Idioms & Phrases

vest one's interest in something
vested interest
life vest
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