an impressive display
"it was a bewildering array of books"
"his tools were in an orderly array on the basement wall"
an arrangement of aerials spaced to give desired directional characteristics
"The radio engineer adjusted the array of aerials to optimize the signal reception for the remote valley."
Clothing and ornamentation.
"The bride stepped out of the changing room wearing a dazzling array of silk veils, jeweled headpieces, and embroidered gloves."
In plain English: An array is a large collection of things arranged together in an organized way.
"The store had an impressive array of fresh fruits and vegetables on display."
Usage: Use "array" to describe a magnificent or impressive display of clothing and ornaments, often worn together to create a striking visual effect. Avoid using it simply to mean a set of items unless that collection is arranged in an orderly, grand fashion.
To clothe and ornament; to adorn or attire.
"The bride felt overwhelmed as her mother arrayed her in layers of silk and diamonds for the grand entrance."
In plain English: To array something means to arrange it in a neat line or organized group.
"The manager will array the team in their best uniforms for the big game."
Usage: Use the verb array to describe dressing someone up in elaborate clothing or setting out many items in an impressive display. You would say that a mother arrays her daughter for a party or that a host arrays flowers on a table, emphasizing the act of arranging with care or grandeur.
The word array comes from the Frankish and Gothic words for "ready" or "prepared," which entered Middle English via Anglo-Norman to mean putting things in order. It is a doublet of the modern word ready, sharing the same ancient Germanic roots.