Definition

1. Noun:
   • Formal evening attire for men: "Full dress" refers to the most formal category of evening wear for men, traditionally worn for events after 6 p.m. It typically consists of specific, highly formal components.

Usage

• "Full dress" is used as a non-count noun to describe the category or state of being in formal evening attire.
• It is often used in formal or historical contexts to denote the required attire for prestigious events.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The invitation specified that the event required full dress.
  • In the 19th century, diplomatic receptions often demanded full dress from all gentlemen.

Advanced Usage

• "in full dress": Wearing formal evening attire.
  • The officers stood at attention in full dress for the ceremony.

Variants and Related Words

• Full-dress uniform (noun phrase): The formal ceremonial uniform of military or other organized services, often worn for parades or state functions.
  • The general inspected the troops in their full-dress uniforms.

Synonyms

• White tie: A term often used interchangeably with "full dress" to describe the most formal evening attire, named for the white bow tie worn as part of the ensemble.
• Evening dress: A more general term for formal attire worn in the evening.

Different Meanings

• As a noun, "full dress" has a highly specific meaning related to formalwear. It does not commonly function as a verb or adjective in modern usage. The hyphenated form "full-dress" can be used as an adjective meaning complete, thorough, or formal (e.g., a ), but this is considered a separate compound term.

Noun

1. formalwear consisting of full evening dress for men