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Unitard

Apparel
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

A close-fitting one-piece garment covering the torso and legs, often used in performance; in poetry, it suggests unity of form, athletic grace, and the streamlined silhouette.

Detailed Definition
A unitard is a tight, continuous garment worn by dancers, gymnasts, performers, or athletes, usually covering the body from shoulders to ankles. It emphasizes line, balance, and disciplined motion. In poetry, the unitard can make the body seem drawn by one uninterrupted stroke, while its exposure reveals strain and vulnerability. It may represent artifice, athletic control, or the human form becoming an instrument in public view.
Example
Example in poetry:
The acrobat’s silver unitard turned every movement into a bright line; A black unitard made the dancer seem like a shadow learning to fly; In the poem, the performer’s unitard stretched smoothly as music filled the room; The poet uses the unitard to suggest discipline, balance, and freedom of motion
Additional Notes
A unitard is a stretch garment covering the torso and legs, sometimes extending to the wrists and ankles. Dancers, gymnasts, skaters, and performers wear it for freedom of movement. Unlike a leotard, it covers the legs; unlike a catsuit, it may be less associated with theatrical or full-body styling.
Also Known As
Unitard Suit Catsuit
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