black-tie

Thân thiện

A couple arrives at a black-tie dinner.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Formal, requiring formal evening wear for men: Describes a social event, such as a dinner or gala, that requires men to wear a tuxedo (dinner jacket) and a black bow tie. It indicates a specific, moderately formal level of dress code.

Usage

• The term "black-tie" is used almost exclusively as an adjective to describe an event's required attire. It is typically hyphenated.
• It is commonly found on invitations (e.g., "You are cordially invited to a black-tie gala.").

Examples

• Adjective:
  • The charity ball is a black-tie event.
  • The invitation clearly stated black-tie optional.
  • He rented a tuxedo for the black-tie dinner.

Advanced Usage

• "Black-tie optional" or "Black tie optional": A dress code indicating that formal wear (tuxedo) is preferred but not strictly required; a dark suit and tie are acceptable alternatives.
  • The wedding reception is black-tie optional, so you can wear a nice suit if you prefer.
• "Black-tie preferred": Strongly suggests formal wear without making it an absolute requirement.

Variants and Related Words

• Black tie (noun phrase): Can refer to the dress code itself or the black bow tie.
  • The invitation specified black tie.
  • He struggled to tie his black tie.
• White-tie (adjective): A more formal dress code than black-tie, requiring a tailcoat, white bow tie, and white waistcoat.
• Semiformal (adjective): A broader, more general synonym for the level of formality indicated by "black-tie."

Synonyms

• Formal
• Semiformal
• Dressy

Related Idioms and Phrases

• (To be) dressed to the nines: To be dressed very elegantly or formally, as one would for a black-tie event.
  • They were dressed to the nines for the ambassador's reception.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. moderately formal; requiring a dinner jacket
   • he wore semiformal attire
   • a black-tie dinner

Từ đồng nghĩa

• semiformal
• semi-formal