A lorgnette is a handheld optical device that is used to magnify objects in the distance. It is typically designed as a pair of glasses with a handle, which can be held up to the eyes to provide a closer view of an object. The lorgnette was popularized in the 18th and 19th centuries and was commonly used by women as a fashion accessory. It was often made of gold or silver and adorned with jewels, making it a luxurious item. The lorgnette was also used by opera-goers and theater enthusiasts to get a better view of the stage. In addition to its use as a magnifying device, the lorgnette has also been used as a symbol of wealth and sophistication. It was often carried by upper-class women as a fashion accessory and was considered a status symbol. The lorgnette has also been featured in literature and art, often as a prop to convey a character's social status or personality. Today, the lorgnette is not commonly used as a magnifying device, but it is still appreciated for its aesthetic value. Antique lorgnettes are highly sought after by collectors and are often displayed in museums and galleries. Modern versions of the lorgnette are also available, often designed as a fashion accessory or novelty item.
magnifying device, fashion accessory, opera, theater, status symbol
Lorgnette is a noun derived from French and is composed of two elements: the prefix “lorgne,” meaning “to take a sidelong glance” and the suffix “ette,” meaning “small.” Synonyms for lorgnette include eyeglass, monocle, spectacle and glass. Its antonyms are blindfold, visor and eyecup. Cognates of lorgnette include German lorgnette, Spanish lorgnette, Italian lorgnette and Portuguese lorgnette. Variants of lorgnette include lorgnet, lorgnette’s and lorgnets.
etymology morphology lexicology semantics lexicon semantic variation
CITATION : "George Adrian Postea. 'Lorgnette.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=218562 (Accessed on April 30, 2025)"
The word ‘Lorgnette’ has a long and complex etymological history. The term is derived from the French verb ‘Lorgner’, which means ‘to stare at’ by squinting, and the suffix ‘ette’, which implies a diminutive. Originally derived from 18th century France, the word ‘Lorgnette’ is associated with the lorgnette, which is an item of eyeglass-like equipment utilized to inspect objects. The historical evolution of ‘Lorgnette’ suggests that the term was initially used to refer to a pair of binoculars used to view scenery and objects from afar. Over time, the term has also come to refer to other types of binoculars and eyeglass-like instruments for viewing a distant object. The morphology of the word ‘Lorgnette’ is heavily reliant on its semantic meaning as a viewing instrument. Its roots in French language, although not overly pronounced in modern use, demonstrate an interesting historical evolution. Pragmatically, ‘Lorgnette’ is used to describe any viewing instrument which helps the examiner to view a distant object.
Etymology, morphology, linguistics, historical, evolution, pragmatics.
Lorgnette is a type of optical device that is held up to the eyes in order to magnify objects in the distance. It is also known as an opera glass, field glasses, monocular, binoculars, and lorgnette spectacles. It is also a type of hand-held magnifying glass that is designed to be held close to one's eyes in order to aid in vision. It has been used for centuries by adventurers and ornithologists, among others, to better observe nature and its inhabitants. In modern times, lorgnettes have become popular with those who frequently attend the theater or opera, allowing them to see better from the back of the house.
In terms of other languages, the equivalent terms for lorgnette are diverse and include: Kikkert (Danish), Monocle (French), Lupa (Finnish), Visiera (Italian), Fuchsglas (German), Visir (Serbian), Monóculo (Portuguese), Monoklo (Slovene), Monošklo (Croati
Lorgnette is a type of visual and artistic framing device used in anime, comics, and manga for drawing jewelry and accessories for characters. This tool, which is typically implemented as an eyeglass-like object, is designed to draw attention to an important object or object detail in a frame, and can be used to give a character a unique and individualized look. By framing an object or detail, the artist can draw attention to it and give it a heightened sense of importance or significance. The lorgnette can also be used to draw attention to a character's unique features, such as their eyes, a hairstyle, and jewelry, as well as any other objects or details in the scene.
Lorgnette, anime, manga, comics, character, framing, eyeglass, detail, significance, individualized, object, image composition, jewelry, accessories.
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