white-tie
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Requiring very formal evening wear for men, specifically a black tailcoat and a white bow tie: Describes an event, occasion, or dress code that is the most formal level of evening attire.
Usage
- The term "white-tie" is used exclusively as an adjective to specify the required dress code for an event. It is typically hyphenated.
- It modifies nouns like "event," "affair," "dinner," or "occasion."
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- The embassy ball is a white-tie event.
- Invitations to the state dinner specified white-tie attire.
- He rented a tailcoat for the white-tie wedding.
Advanced Usage
- "white-tie optional" or "white-tie invited": Sometimes used on invitations to indicate that white-tie is preferred but not strictly mandatory, allowing for slightly less formal black-tie attire.
- The charity gala is white-tie optional.
Variants and Related Words
White tie (noun phrase): Can refer to the dress code itself or the specific white bow tie worn as part of the outfit.
- The invitation said the dress code was white tie.
- He carefully tied his white tie.
Black-tie (adjective): A slightly less formal but still very formal evening dress code, requiring a black tuxedo and a black bow tie for men.
Synonyms
- Full evening dress: A formal synonym for the white-tie attire requirement.
- Ultra-formal: Describes the extreme formality of such events.
Antonyms
- Casual: Denoting a relaxed, informal dress code.
- Black-tie: While still formal, it is a less strict dress code than white-tie.
Notes on Meaning
- The term "white-tie" derives from the key component of the men's attire: the white bow tie (as opposed to the black bow tie worn for "black-tie" events).
- It implies a corresponding level of formality in women's attire, typically full-length evening gowns.
- This dress code is associated with state dinners, very formal balls, royal events, and prestigious award ceremonies.
Adjective
- requiring white ties and tailcoats for men
- a white-tie occasion