dressy

/ˈdresi/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈdresi/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈdre-sē/ (ame, mw)

dressy — adjective

1. Dressy clothes are elegant and designed for special occasions where people want

1.形容詞B2
釋義

Dressy clothes are elegant and designed for special occasions where people want to look their best, such as weddings, formal dinners, or parties.

例句

Rodrigo wore a dressy black suit and a silk tie to the wedding reception.

collocation: dressy suit / dressy outfit

Jisoo picked a dressy dress with silver shoes for the graduation party.

同義詞
  • formal

    stronger than 'dressy' — suggests strict dress codes like tuxedos or gowns

  • elegant

    focuses on tasteful style rather than suitability for a formal event

  • fancy

    more informal than 'dressy', often suggests decoration or elaborate design

反義詞
  • casual

    describes clothes meant for everyday, informal wear

  • informal

    describes clothes not suitable for formal occasions

用法筆記

Commonly used before nouns (a dressy dress) but also works after linking verbs (this outfit looks dressy).

常見錯誤

❌I need to buy a dressy for the party.
✅I need to buy a dressy dress for the party.
💡'dressy' is an adjective, not a noun, so it must modify a noun like 'dress' or 'outfit'.

2. A dressy social event expects guests to wear elegant or formal clothes rather th

2.形容詞B2
釋義

A dressy social event expects guests to wear elegant or formal clothes rather than their everyday items.

例句

The awards ceremony was a dressy event, so everyone wore suits and long dresses.

collocation: dressy event / dressy occasion

Ravindra checked the invitation to see whether the dinner was a dressy affair.

同義詞
  • formal

    stronger and more common than 'dressy' for events

  • black-tie

    specifies that men should wear tuxedos; more specific and strict than 'dressy'

反義詞
  • casual

    describes events where everyday clothes are fine

  • informal

    describes relaxed social gatherings

用法筆記

Almost always used before a noun describing an event (occasion, event, party, affair, dinner). Not used predicatively (✖ the party was dressy is rare).

常見錯誤

❌The party was very dressy, so I wore my best shirt.
✅The party was a dressy affair, so I wore my best shirt.
💡'dressy' for occasions typically modifies a following noun rather than standing alone after the verb.

3. A dressy person enjoys wearing stylish, attractive, or showy clothes and pays cl

3.形容詞B2
釋義

A dressy person enjoys wearing stylish, attractive, or showy clothes and pays close attention to their appearance.

例句

Emily has always been the dressy type who plans her outfits several days ahead.

collocation: dressy type / dressy person

Uncle Zayd is the most dressy person at every family dinner, always in a blazer.

同義詞
  • stylish

    focuses on having good taste in clothes rather than being showy

  • fashionable

    suggests following current trends, which 'dressy' does not require

  • smart

    British English; describes a neat, well-dressed appearance

反義詞
  • casual

    describes someone who prefers simple, everyday clothes

  • sloppy

    stronger negative term for someone who does not care about their appearance

用法筆記

Carries a slightly playful or affectionate tone. Not usually used in formal writing. Describes a person's general character, not how they look on one specific occasion.

常見錯誤

❌She is very dressy tonight in that red dress.
✅She is very dressed up tonight in that red dress.
💡'dressy' describes a person's usual style, not how they are dressed for one event. Use 'dressed up' for a single occasion.