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1. Dictionary

   For·mal

   /ˈfôrm(ə)l/

   

   adjective

   • 1. done in accordance with rules of convention or etiquette; suitable for or constituting an official or important situation or occasion: "a formal dinner party" Similar ceremonialceremoniousritualisticritualconventionaltraditionalorthodoxprescribedfixedsetstatelycourtlysolemndignifiedelaborateornatedressyOpposite informal
   • ▪ (of a person or their manner) prim or stiff: "he is formal in manner and clothing" Similar aloofreservedremotedetachedunapproachablestandoffishkeeping people at arm's lengthstiffprimstuffystaidceremoniouscorrectproperdecorousconventionalpreciseexactpunctiliousunbendinginflexiblestrait-lacedunresponsiveunfriendlyunsympathetichaughtyforbiddingausterewithdrawnrestrainedreticenttaciturnuncommunicativeundemonstrativeunforthcomingunsocialantisocialOpposite informalcasual
   • ▪ of or denoting a style of writing or public speaking characterized by more elaborate grammatical structures and more conservative and technical vocabulary. Similar literaryscholarlylearnedintellectualeruditebookishhighbrowacademiccultivatedOpposite informalcolloquial
   • ▪ (especially of a house or garden) arranged in a regular, classical, and symmetrical manner.
   • 2. officially sanctioned or recognized: "a formal complaint" Similar officiallegalauthorizedapprovedvalidatedcertifiedendorseddocumentedsanctionedlicensedrecognizedauthoritativeacceptedverifiedlegitimatelawfulvalidbona fideproperprescribedpro formaOpposite informalunofficial
   • ▪ having a conventionally recognized form, structure, or set of rules: "he had little formal education" Similar symmetricalregularorderlyarrangedmethodicalsystematicin straight linesregimentedconventionalmainstreamrigidschoolinstitutionalOpposite informalinformal
   • 3. of or concerned with outward form or appearance, especially as distinct from content or matter: "I don't know enough about art to appreciate the purely formal qualities"
   • ▪ having the form or appearance without the spirit: "his sacrifice will be more formal than real"
   • ▪ relating to linguistic or logical form as opposed to function or meaning.

   noun

   • 1. an evening gown: North American "cocktail parties every night so the ladies can show off their formals"
   • ▪ an occasion on which evening dress is worn: North American "the college will be hosting their annual formal on February 6"

   Word Origin late Middle English: from Latin formalis, from forma ‘shape, mold’ (see form).

   Scrabble Points: 11

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   • M

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   • A

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2. People also ask

   What is the difference between formal and informal language?

   • A formal garden is carefully designed and kept according to a plan, and it is not allowed to grow naturally. We use formal language in situations that are serious or that involve people we don’t know well. Informal language is more commonly used in situations that are more relaxed and involve people we know well. …

   FORMAL | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary

   dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/formal

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   What does formal mean?

   • The meaning of FORMAL is belonging to or constituting the form or essence of a thing. How to use formal in a sentence. Synonym Discussion of Formal.

   Formal Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

   www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/formal

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   What is a formal principle?

   • 1. a. Relating to or involving outward form or structure, often in contrast to content or meaning. b. Being or relating to essential form or constitution: a formal principle. 2. Following or being in accord with accepted or prescribed forms, conventions, or regulations: had little formal education; went to a formal party. 3. a.

   Formal - definition of formal by The Free Dictionary

   www.thefreedictionary.com/formal

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   What is a formal document?

   • 1. of, according to, or following established or prescribed forms, conventions, etc: a formal document. 2. characterized by observation of conventional forms of ceremony, behaviour, dress, etc: a formal dinner. 4. (Clothing & Fashion) suitable for occasions organized according to conventional ceremony: formal dress. 5.

   Formal - definition of formal by The Free Dictionary

   www.thefreedictionary.com/formal

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3. www.merriam-webster.com › dictionary › formalFormal Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

   www.merriam-webster.com › dictionary › formal

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   Learn the meaning of formal as an adjective and a noun, with synonyms, examples, and word history. Find out how to use formal in different contexts, such as grammar, logic, law, and etiquette.

4. www.dictionary.com › browse › formalFORMAL Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com

   www.dictionary.com › browse › formal

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   Formal definition: being in accordance with the usual requirements, customs, etc.; conventional. See examples of FORMAL used in a sentence.

5. dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › englishFORMAL | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary

   dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › english

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   Learn the meaning of formal as an adjective and a noun in English, with synonyms, grammar, and usage examples. Find out how formal can describe official, serious, educational, or garden situations, and how it differs from informal.

6. Videos

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     Formal vs Informal writing

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     FORMAL vs INFORMAL LANGUAGE | What's the difference? | Learn with examples

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7. dictionary.cambridge.org › english › formalFORMAL | definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary

   dictionary.cambridge.org › english › formal

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   Learn the meaning of formal as an adjective and a noun in different contexts, such as official, serious, education, garden and dance. See how to use formal language, grammar and register in various situations and domains.

8. dictionary.cambridge.org › learner-english › formalFORMAL | definition in the Cambridge Learner’s Dictionary

   dictionary.cambridge.org › learner-english › formal

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   Learn the meaning of formal as an adjective to describe serious, official, or school-related clothes, language, and behaviour. See translations of formal in many languages and examples of how to use it in sentences.

9. www.thefreedictionary.com › formalFormal - definition of formal by The Free Dictionary

   www.thefreedictionary.com › formal

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   Formal means relating to or involving outward form, structure, or convention, often in contrast to content or meaning. It can also describe language, behavior, dress, or education that is strict, ceremonious, or academic.

10. www.vocabulary.com › dictionary › formalFormal - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms | Vocabulary.com

    www.vocabulary.com › dictionary › formal

    adjective. being in accord with established forms and conventions and requirements (as e.g. of formal dress) “pay one's formal respects”. “ formal dress”. “a formal ball”. “the requirement was only formal and often ignored”. “a formal education”. synonyms: conventional.