Word: White Tie
Definition:
"White tie" is a type of very formal clothing that men wear for special events in the evening. It includes a black tailcoat (a special kind of jacket), trousers, a white dress shirt, a white bow tie (which is a type of necktie that is tied in a bow shape), and often a waistcoat (a kind of vest).
Usage Instructions:
You typically wear "white tie" for very formal occasions, such as fancy balls, formal weddings, or important ceremonies. It is considered the most formal dress code, even more formal than "black tie."
Example:
- "He wore white tie to the charity gala, complete with a bow tie and a tailcoat."
Advanced Usage:
In formal invitations, you may see the term "white tie" used to indicate the dress code. For example: "The event is a white tie affair, so please dress accordingly."
Word Variants: - Black Tie: A slightly less formal dress code that includes a black bow tie instead of a white one. - Formal Wear: A general term that includes various types of formal dress, including white tie and black tie.
Different Meanings:
While "white tie" primarily refers to formal attire, in some contexts, it can also mean the event itself that requires such attire (e.g., "The white tie event was a grand affair.").
Synonyms:
- Evening dress - Formal evening wear
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
While "white tie" doesn't have specific idioms or phrasal verbs, it is often used in phrases like "dress to the nines" (which means to dress very elegantly) or "pull out all the stops" (which means to do everything possible to make something as good or successful as possible).
Summary:
"White tie" refers to a very formal dress code for men that includes a tailcoat, white bow tie, and other formal attire.