paraphernalia
pa-ruh-fer-NAY-lee-uh
/ˌpærəfərˈneɪliə/
A large number of objects or personal possessions, especially those used for a particular activity.
Often used to describe the miscellaneous 'stuff' that comes with a hobby or sport, sometimes implying it is excessive.
The story behind the word. In ancient Greek law, 'parapherna' were the personal belongings a bride brought to her marriage besides her dowry. These were items she owned exclusively, like her clothes and jewelry.
Word relationships
- trappings: Trappings usually refers to outward signs of status; paraphernalia refers to the actual physical objects.
Commonly confused with
- belongings: Belongings are personal property; paraphernalia are items specific to a task or interest.
Collocations
- sporting paraphernalia
- drug paraphernalia
- office paraphernalia
Example sentences
- "His room was filled with baseball paraphernalia, from signed balls to vintage pennants." Sports fandom
- "All the paraphernalia of a winter wedding was packed into the car." Travel
Memory hook
Paraphernalia is the 'para' (extra) stuff you need for your 'pherna' (performance). Extra stuff for the task.
When not to use
Avoid in highly technical safety manuals where 'equipment' is more precise.
Fun facts
- Despite its long spelling, the word is always plural in usage but takes a singular or plural verb.
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