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formal

adjective (1)
for·​mal | \ ˈfȯr-mÉ™l How to pronounce formal (audio) \

Definition of formal

 (Entry 1 of 3)

1a : belonging to or constituting the form or essence of a thing formal cause
b : relating to or involving the outward form, structure, relationships, or arrangement of elements rather than content formal logic a formal style of painting a formal approach to comparative linguistics
2a : following or according with established form, custom, or rule lacked formal schooling a formal dinner party formal attire
b : done in due or lawful form a formal contract received formal recognition
3a : characterized by punctilious respect for form : methodical very formal in all his dealings
b : rigidly ceremonious : prim the ambience was overly formal, everyone but me was wearing a suit and tie— James Suckling
4 : having the appearance without the substance formal Christians who go to church only at Easter

formal

noun

Definition of formal (Entry 2 of 3)

: something (such as a dance or a dress) formal in character

formal

adjective (2)

Definition of formal (Entry 3 of 3)

: molar entry 3
Other Words from formal Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about formal

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Other Words from formal

Adjective (1)

formally \ ˈfȯr-​mÉ™-​lÄ“ How to pronounce formally (audio) \ adverb
formalness noun

Synonyms for formal

Synonyms: Noun

ball, cotillion (also cotillon), dance, hop, prom

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Choose the Right Synonym for formal

Adjective (1)

ceremonial, ceremonious, formal, conventional mean marked by attention to or adhering strictly to prescribed forms. ceremonial and ceremonious both imply strict attention to what is prescribed by custom or by ritual, but ceremonial applies to things that are associated with ceremonies a ceremonial offering , ceremonious to persons given to ceremony or to acts attended by ceremony. made his ceremonious entrance formal applies both to things prescribed by and to persons obedient to custom and may suggest stiff, restrained, or old-fashioned behavior. a formal report the headmaster's formal manner conventional implies accord with general custom and usage conventional courtesy and may suggest a stodgy lack of originality or independence. conventional fiction

Examples of formal in a Sentence

Noun

 he asked her to the formal at the end of the year

First Known Use of formal

Adjective (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1605, in the meaning defined above

Adjective (2)

circa 1934, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for formal

Adjective (1) and Noun

Middle English, from Latin formalis, from forma

Adjective (2)

formula + -al entry 1

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More Definitions for formal

formal

noun

English Language Learners Definition of formal

US : a social gathering (such as a dance) that requires formal dress and manners : a formal event

See the full definition for formal in the English Language Learners Dictionary

formal

adjective
for·​mal | \ ˈfȯr-mÉ™l How to pronounce formal (audio) \

Kids Definition of formal

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1 : following established form, custom, or rule She wrote a formal apology.
2 : acquired by attending classes in a school a formal education
3 : requiring proper clothing and manners a formal dance
4 : suitable for a proper occasion formal attire

Other Words from formal

formally adverb

formal

noun

Kids Definition of formal (Entry 2 of 2)

: a social gathering that requires proper clothing and behavior

formal

adjective
for·​mal

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