Words / C2

bi-SPOHK/bɪˈspəʊk/

Bespoke means made to a particular customer’s specification (UK): a bespoke suit, bespoke software. Custom-made is the gloss; custom (already in the dictionary) is also habit or tradition — a lookalike. Sartorial (already in the dictionary) is of clothes and tailoring, not of a one-off build; tailored is the close twin. Shine on a lanyard does not open a fire door.

Meaning

Made to a customer’s specification (UK, especially of clothes or services).

Examples

• “Bespoke lanyards do not unlock the fire door.”
• “Custom-made is the gloss. Custom is also a habit (already in B1) — the mix-up. Sartorial is of dress (already in C2). A well-cut badge can be exact. A ribbon that never names the night person is theatre. Fill the rota; then the stitching may gleam.”

Good to know

Custom-made (UK). Everyday: custom-made / tailored. Mix-up: custom (habit — already in this dictionary). Contrast: sartorial (of tailoring — already in C2). A lanyard is not an exit.

Near in meaning

custom-made, tailored, made-to-measure, commissioned

New