uniform
Definitions
Remaining the same in all cases and at all times; consistent.
统一的；一致的；不变的
A distinctive set of clothes worn by members of a particular group, such as soldiers, police, or students.
制服；军装；校服
To make uniform; to dress in a uniform (less common).
使统一；穿制服（罕见）
Root Breakdown
Root-deriveduni- (one) + form (shape) = 'having one form, of one shape.' As an adjective, this is the abstract sense: uniform temperature, uniform regulations — everything has the same form. As a noun, it's the perfect specialization: when everyone wears one form of clothing, that form becomes «a uniform.»
Root form still carries 39 more wordsWhy It Means This
Uniform is one of the cleanest examples of how an adjective becomes a noun through specialization. The adjective sense — «of one form» — is general: uniform regulations, uniform temperature, uniform behavior. Then in the 18th century military context, «uniform clothing» (clothing of one form) became simply «a uniform.» The noun is a frozen ellipsis: «uniform [clothing].» Today the noun is so dominant that English speakers often forget the adjective meaning. But both senses share the same image: one shape applied to many.
Usage Guide
- Adjective (formal/technical): 'uniform distribution,' 'uniform thickness,' 'uniform code of conduct' — same throughout
- Noun (everyday): 'school uniform,' 'military uniform,' 'wear a uniform' — distinctive group clothing
- In context: 'soldiers in uniform' (the clothing), 'uniform regulations' (the rules)
- Stress: YOU-ni-form (stress on first syllable, both POS)
Example Sentences
- 1.
All students must wear the school uniform.
- 2.
Apply the paint in uniform strokes.
- 3.
Police in uniform patrolled the area.
- 4.
The new policy ensures uniform treatment of all employees.