Words / B1

boh-TEYE/ˌbəʊ ˈtaɪ/

A bow tie (id: bow-tie) is a tie tied in a bow, worn at the neck with formal clothes. A tie is the long standard school or office tie; a cravat is more old-fashioned. Concerts: a bow tie is kit; a clip-on is allowed if the handbook says so.

Meaning

A tie tied in a bow, worn at the neck with formal clothes.

Examples

• “A bow tie for the concert is kit; a clip-on is allowed if the handbook says so.”
• “A bow tie in the uniform photo is not a clip-on unless the policy allows it.”

Good to know

a bow tie. Contrast: a tie / a cravat. Concerts / formal uniform. Countable. Mix-up: a bow in the hair is a ribbon, not neckwear.

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