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Glite Dictionary
party of sorts

party of sorts

7.2
A small informal get-together with a few friends to celebrate something
  • noun
  • Informal
translation icon : reunión
  • It was more of a party of sorts than a real celebration, but everyone enjoyed it nonetheless.

Examples

  • She invited a few friends over for a party of sorts to mark her new job.

  • After the ceremony, we had a small party of sorts in the conference room.

  • We had a party of sorts at my place last weekend.

  • Is this a party of sorts or just a casual get-together?

  • After the graduation ceremony, we had a small party of sorts with refreshments and music in the hall.

  • It felt more like a party of sorts than a formal event, with laughter and games instead of speeches.

  • She organized a party of sorts in her backyard, inviting only close friends for a relaxed and fun evening.

Synonyms

get-together
vsparty of sorts
  • Informal
46 1.9

A small informal meeting for people to talk and spend time together

is less of a typical or formal social event
soiree
vsparty of sorts
  • Formal
23 7.5

An evening party at someone's home

is not a typical or formal evening occasion
do
vsparty of sorts
  • UK
22 9.3

A lively party or social gathering

is less about loud celebration and more an unconventional meeting
sociable
vsparty of sorts
  • UK
3.8

A friendly meeting where people come to talk and share food

is more unusual than a planned or traditional social occasion
bevvy
vsparty of sorts
  • Slang
9.3

A casual social meeting where people drink alcohol together

is broader in purpose and not mainly about drinking

Antonyms

affair
  • Formal
267 3.7

A formal social event with food, music, and speeches

How Festive

rave
39 7.2
bash
  • Informal
56 4.2
party
∞ 1.0
party of sorts
  • Informal
7.2
get-together
  • Informal
46 1.9
gathering
203 1.0

Surface Forms

party of sorts singular
parties of sorts plural

Morphology

party + of + sort

The meaning is directly derivable from 'party' (a gathering) combined with the qualifier 'of sorts' (a kind of / somewhat), so a learner who knows the constituents can infer it refers to an informal or imperfect example of a party. The 'of sorts' construction is a common compositional qualifier with parallels in many languages, making the overall sense predictable for a B1 learner.

Etymology

The phrase party of sorts comes from the small phrase of sorts, which means 'a kind of' or 'not a real one'. Imagine a few people meeting with snacks and chatting so it looks like a party but is more casual than a full celebration, and that's why it means 'a somewhat informal gathering that is not a typical or traditional party'.