style

The word “style” means a distinctive way of writing, speaking, dressing, or doing something. In plain terms, a distinctive way of doing, making, or presenting something — from clothes to prose to buildings.

“Style” is pronounced styl (/staɪl/ in IPA).

Here is “style” used in a sentence: “Her writing style is sharp and economical.”

Depending on how it is used, “style” can be a noun and a verb.

The word “style” comes from Latin. From Latin stilus, originally a pointed writing tool used on wax tablets; the sense shifted from the physical instrument to a "manner of writing" and eventually to any distinctive manner of doing something.

“Style” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

“Style” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a distinctive way of writing, speaking, dressing, or doing something.

Style is a distinctive manner of doing something — how you write, dress, or speak. A stylus is a physical pen-like tool for writing, drawing on a touchscreen, or engraving. They sound similar and share a Latin root, but style is abstract while a stylus is a solid object you hold in your hand.

Style can absolutely be developed. While some people seem to have an instinctive flair, most personal style — in writing, dress, or design — grows through practice, imitation, and refining your choices over time. Even great artists borrow and adapt widely before arriving at a voice that feels distinctly and recognisably their own.

The word spans many domains: writing style, speaking style, and personal or fashion style are the most common. There are also artistic and architectural styles, management styles, and broad lifestyle choices. In every case, style refers to the characteristic way something is done rather than what is actually being done.

Not quite. Fashion is what is popular at a given moment and changes constantly. Style is personal and more lasting — the distinctive way an individual expresses themselves regardless of trends. You can follow fashion without having style, or possess strong style while ignoring passing fashions entirely.