Bespoke
/bɪˈspoʊk/
adjectiveB2
Definition
Bespoke describes something that is made just for one person, not mass-produced or ready-made. It often refers to clothing like suits or shoes made to fit a person's exact size and style, but it can also mean custom-made items in other areas.
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See It in Action
Made to order or custom-made, especially clothes
- •He wore a bespoke suit for the wedding.
- •The bespoke shoes fit her feet perfectly.
- •They ordered bespoke curtains to match their room.
Custom-made products or services designed to meet individual needs
- •The company offers bespoke software for businesses.
- •She bought a bespoke bicycle built to her specifications.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "bespoke" like "custom" or "made for you," but more formal and often about clothes.
- ✓Picture a tailor measuring someone carefully to make a suit that fits perfectly, unlike buying a suit from a store shelf.
- ✓It's the feeling of having something unique and special, made only for you.
- ✓Sounds like "be spoke" → imagine a story ("spoke") told just for you, meaning the item is made with your special instructions.
- ✓Think of a famous character like James Bond wearing a bespoke suit tailored exactly for him.
- ✓NOT like "ready-made" (something made for anyone and sold as is), "bespoke" is made after a special order.
- ✓NOT like "off-the-rack" (clothes you buy directly from the store), bespoke is made to fit your body and style.
- ✓NOT like "mass-produced" (many items made the same way), bespoke is one-of-a-kind or very limited.
Try Other Words
- •Custom-made: made especially for a person (Use when you want a clear, everyday phrase)
- •Tailored: specially made to fit (Use mainly for clothes)
- •Made-to-order: produced after a request (Use for products or food)
- •Personalized: designed to suit individual preferences (Use when focusing on personal touch)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: from "be" + "spoke" (past tense of speak)
- •Etymology: Originally from English, meaning "to speak for something," referring to ordering something by speaking about it first
- •Historical development: Used since the 16th century in England to describe goods made by order, especially clothing
- •Modern usage: Common in fashion and luxury goods to describe items made specially for one person, not mass-produced
- •Interesting fact: The word "bespoke" shows how language can keep old forms alive with new meanings
Reflect & Connect
•How does owning a bespoke item change how you feel about it compared to something bought in a store?
•Can technology make bespoke products more common for everyday people in the future?
Fill in the blanks
1.A bespoke suit is made ___ after taking the customer's ___.
2.Unlike off-the-rack clothes, bespoke items fit ___ because they are made to ___.
3.When you order a bespoke product, you usually ___ your preferences or needs first.
4.Bespoke shoes are often more ___ because they match the shape of your feet exactly.
5.The company offers bespoke services that ___ the specific needs of each client.
6.Bespoke is NOT the same as mass-produced because it is ___ for one person.
7.If you want something quick and cheap, you might avoid bespoke and choose ___ products instead.