{"id":9197,"date":"2022-09-16T21:55:44","date_gmt":"2022-09-16T21:55:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/english-grammar-lessons.com\/?p=9197"},"modified":"2022-09-16T21:55:44","modified_gmt":"2022-09-16T21:55:44","slug":"soiree-meaning","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/english-grammar-lessons.com\/soiree-meaning\/","title":{"rendered":"Soiree \u2013 Meaning, Origin and Usage"},"content":{"rendered":"

Have you ever attended a party that is hosted in the early part of the evening? Perhaps you want to throw a get-together that is not quite a dinner party, but also not a luncheon? If so, then chances are you attended or want to host a soiree. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.<\/p>\n

Meaning<\/h2>\n

A soiree means an evening party or gathering. Unlike a night party or event, an evening party is typically an elegant gathering between a localized number of people. It means that you are expected to dress well in elegant, or at least elegantly casual attire. In most cases, a soiree is hosted in someone\u2019s home, or at a location that allows for an intimate setting.<\/strong><\/p>\n

A dinner party, get-together, or casual party may be similar, but the rules are quite different. In order for an event to be considered a soiree, it must be semi-formal, or completely formal in nature. The timing is also important. It must be hosted well past the lunch hour, but before what is considered the dinner hour. Higher-end snacks or a fancy meal may be provided. While live music is common at a soiree, it is also possible to host one without it. A soiree can have any theme ranging from a political discussion to an event focused on announcing a wedding.<\/p>\n

Example Usage<\/h2>\n

\u201cI would love for you and your family to come over this weekend for my spring soiree\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cJohn and I went to the loveliest soiree over the weekend, it was all very posh\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cHave you ever attended one of Ms. Haberdashers\u2019 soirees? They are the event of the season!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI plan to host a soiree on Friday focused on the hot topic of the year, I hope you will attend?\u201d<\/p>\n

Origin<\/h2>\n

The word soiree originates from the old French language. In Old French, the original word is seir, which later was updated to seree. It originated from the Latin language, specifically s\u0113r\u014d. The English version, soiree is derived directly from the French word soir, which means evening. In French, there is a specific reference between time frames. That being that soir represents the time from sunset until evening.<\/p>\n

Most speakers of English don\u2019t use words for parties or events that have a specific time frame. However, the language is set up in a way that makes it easy to understand the time reference. For example, saying that you will play cards in the evening refers to an all-night affair. However, saying you will meet someone the next evening for dinner implies an early-night affair.<\/p>\n