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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

     1

   • R

     1

   • M

     3

   • A

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   • L

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

   www.merriam-webster.com › dictionary › formal

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   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.

3. 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.

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

   dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › english

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   If a social occasion is formal, you wear traditional or very good clothes: It was a formal affair, and men were supposed to wear dark suits or tuxedos. Formal language is the language used esp. in writing in situations that are official and which is often more difficult than the language used in ordinary conversation.

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

   dictionary.cambridge.org › us › dictionary

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

6. 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.

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

   dictionary.cambridge.org › us › dictionary

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   used about clothes, language, and behaviour that are serious and not friendly or relaxed: a formal dinner party. Fewer examples. formal dress. British people are often perceived as being very formal. He sounded very formal. She spoke in a very formal manner. The dinner was a formal affair.

8. 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.

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

   www.thefreedictionary.com › formal

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   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. 3. methodical, precise, or stiff.

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

    www.collinsdictionary.com › us › dictionary

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

11. www.ldoceonline.com › dictionary › formalformal | meaning of formal in Longman Dictionary of Contemporary...

    www.ldoceonline.com › dictionary › formal

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    formal meaning, definition, what is formal: made or done officially or publicly: Learn more.