masked ball
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A formal dance party where attendees wear costumes and conceal their faces with masks, creating an atmosphere of anonymity and mystery.
Usage
A "masked ball" is a specific type of social event. The term is used to describe the event itself. - The charity fundraiser was an elegant masked ball. - Invitations to the duke's annual masked ball were highly sought after.
Examples
- Noun:
- The plot of the opera revolves around a dramatic encounter at a masked ball.
- Everyone spent weeks preparing their elaborate costumes for the masked ball.
Advanced Usage
- Historical/Cultural Context: The masked ball has a long history in European culture, often associated with Venetian Carnival, aristocracy, and literary works where disguise and mistaken identity are central themes.
- Figurative Use: The phrase can sometimes be used metaphorically to describe a situation where people's true identities or intentions are hidden.
- The political summit was a diplomatic masked ball, with every delegate hiding their real agenda.
Variants and Related Words
- Masquerade ball: A direct synonym for "masked ball." The terms are often used interchangeably.
- The masquerade ball was the highlight of the carnival season.
- Masquerade (noun): Can refer to the event itself (synonymous with masked ball) or more broadly to the act of wearing a disguise or pretense.
- The party was a grand masquerade. (refers to the event)
- His friendship was all a masquerade. (refers to a pretense)
Synonyms
- Masquerade ball
- Fancy-dress ball (though this emphasizes costume more than the mandatory use of a mask)
- Costume ball
Related Phrases & Idioms
- "To unmask someone at a masked ball": Literally, to reveal someone's identity at such an event. Figuratively, it means to expose someone's true nature or secrets in a situation designed for concealment.
- The journalist's article effectively unmasked the corrupt official at the political masked ball.
Noun
- a ball at which guests wear costumes and masks