black-tie
Definition
- 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.
Adjective
-
moderately formal; requiring a dinner jacket
-
he wore semiformal attire
-
a black-tie dinner
-
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