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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

   • F

     4

   • O

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   • R

     1

   • M

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   • A

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   • L

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2. dictionary.cambridge.org › us › dictionaryFORMAL | definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary

   dictionary.cambridge.org › us › dictionary

   • Cached

   FORMAL meaning: 1. public or official: 2. in appearance or by name only: 3. Formal language, clothes, and…. Learn more.

3. dictionary.cambridge.org › us › dictionaryFORMAL | definition in the Cambridge Learner’s Dictionary

   dictionary.cambridge.org › us › dictionary

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   FORMAL meaning: 1. used about clothes, language, and behaviour that are serious and not friendly or relaxed: 2…. Learn more.

4. www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com › definition › englishformal adjective - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage...

   www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com › definition › english

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   Definition of formal adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

5. 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.

6. www.collinsdictionary.com › us › dictionaryFORMAL definition in American English | Collins English ...

   www.collinsdictionary.com › us › dictionary

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   2 days ago · Formal speech or behavior is very correct and serious rather than relaxed and friendly, and is used especially in official situations.

7. www.dictionary.com › browse › formalFORMAL Definition & Usage Examples | Dictionary.com

   www.dictionary.com › browse › formal

   • Cached

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

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

   www.thefreedictionary.com › formal

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   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.