Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

English: /ˈkɒf.ər/ (British), /ˈkɔː.fɚ/ (American)

Definitions

• A strongbox or chest for storing valuables.
• Funds or financial reserves, often used in plural form.
• In architecture, a sunken panel in a ceiling or vault.

Usage Examples

• The museum displayed an ancient coffer filled with gold coins.
• The government’s coffers were depleted after the economic crisis.
• The grand hall was adorned with a beautifully decorated coffered ceiling.

Etymology

Derived from Old French "cofre" (chest, box), which in turn comes from Latin "cophinus" (basket), and Greek "kophinos" (basket). The word has been in use since the Middle Ages.

Synonyms

• Chest
• Strongbox
• Vault
• Fund

Antonyms

• Debt
• Expenditure
• Open space

Translations

Regional Pronunciations

• American English: /ˈkɔː.fɚ/
• British English: /ˈkɒf.ər/
• Australian English: /ˈkɒf.ə/

Historical Usage

Coffers have historically been used to store valuables, from ancient treasure chests to modern bank vaults. The term "public coffers" has been used since medieval times to refer to government reserves.

Cultural Nuances

In European history, noble families often had elaborately decorated coffers to store jewelry and documents. The term is also commonly used metaphorically to describe financial resources.

More Information

The word "coffer" extends beyond physical chests to metaphorical uses in finance, politics, and architecture. Governments and organizations often refer to their financial reserves as "coffers," while in architecture, coffered ceilings remain a popular design choice in grand buildings.