A commode is a type of furniture that can serve multiple purposes depending on its design and context. Historically, the term has been used to refer to a chest of drawers or a cabinet with drawers and cupboards. However, it can also refer to a piece of furniture used for storing and disposing of human waste, commonly found in bathrooms. In addition to these traditional uses, commodes can also be used as seating or decorative pieces in various rooms of the home. They come in a variety of styles, materials, and sizes, ranging from antique wooden commodes to modern metal ones. Some commodes may have intricate designs or carvings, while others may be simple and functional. One interesting aspect of commodes is their cultural significance. In some cultures, commodes are considered taboo or inappropriate for public display, while in others they are highly valued and displayed prominently in homes. Additionally, commodes can be used as symbols of wealth and status, as they were historically expensive and difficult to manufacture. Overall, commodes are versatile pieces of furniture that have been used for various purposes throughout history. Whether used for storage, waste disposal, seating, or decoration, commodes continue to be an important part of home furnishings.
furniture, storage, waste disposal, bathroom, seating, decoration, cultural significance, wealth, status
Classified as a noun, the word commode is derived from the French word commode which means convenient and is related to the Latin word commode. Synonyms of the word commode include bureau, chest of drawers, and cupboard; while antonyms would be inconvenient, inadequate, and unsuitable. Cognates of the word commode are dresser, armoire, and chiffonnier. Variants of the word commode include wardrobe, cabinet, sideboard, and escritoire.
Morphological, syntactic, lexical, orthographical, historic, comparative, semantic, lexical-semantic, diachronic, synchronic
The word ‘commode’ is derived from the Old French ‘commode’, which means ‘convenient’ or ‘suitable’. In the 16th century, the term was used to denote a chest of drawers, used by the late 18th century to refer to a cabinet with drawers and cupboards. The word has evolved to take on a more general meaning in reference to a piece of furniture. In the late 18th century it was used to describe a porcelain chamber pot. In its current usage, the term ‘commode’ reflects a shift in the meaning of the word from a container or vessel to a piece of furniture typically used in bathrooms for storage. Morphologically, the term is a noun which is used to describe various pieces of furniture, such as cabinets and drawers. Pragmatically, the word can also be used to refer to furniture of a similar design, such as a toilet cabinet.
Etymology, Morphology, Word Usage, Furniture, Container
CITATION : "Henry Fontaine. 'Commode.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=220231 (Accessed on May 12, 2025)"
The term Commode is an archaic word for what is now typically known as a piece of furniture for storing items, usually in the form of a chest of drawers. It is used for the purpose of keeping items organized. This type of furniture item is common in many countries and has a variety of different equivalents in different languages. For instance, in French, Commode is equivalent to Armoire; in Spanish, Cómoda; in German, Kommode; in Italian, Cassettiera; in Russian Комод; and in Chinese, 床褥. Furthermore, other languages have words which are similar in meaning such as Dutch Kast, Portuguese Estante, Japanese 木製チェスト, and Greek Καράτι.
Furniture chest, storage closet, cabinet, chest of drawers, cupboard, drawer unit, armoire, commode, armoire-commode, dressers, bureau, sideboard, highboy, wardrobe, armoire chest, bedroom furniture, bedroom storage, bedroom closet.
A commode is a piece of furniture used for storing and/or disposing of human waste. It typically consists of a bowl-shaped container, mounted on a frame, with a lid that can be opened and closed. The container is usually made of porcelain, and is connected to a sewage system or septic tank. Commodes are typically used in bathrooms, and can also be used in bedrooms or other areas of the home. The purpose of a commode is to provide a convenient and hygienic way to dispose of waste.
Commode, Toilet, Waste Disposal, Bathroom Furniture
A commode is a type of furniture that typically consists of a cabinet or box-like structure with a flat top, a hinged lid, and several drawers or shelves. It is often used to store personal items such as clothing, bedding, and linens. Commodes can also be used as seating, with a cushion placed on the top of the cabinet. They are commonly found in bedrooms, living rooms, and bathrooms.
Commode, furniture, storage, seating, cabinet.
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