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1. • • OED's earliest evidence for formal is from around 1386, in the writing of Geoffrey Chaucer, poet and administrator. formal is a borrowing from Latin. Etymons: Latin formālis.
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     formal, adj. & n. meanings, etymology and more | Oxford ...

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   Where did the word formal come from?

   • The earliest known use of the word formal is in the Middle English period (1150—1500). OED's earliest evidence for formal is from around 1386, in the writing of Geoffrey Chaucer, poet and administrator. formal is a borrowing from Latin. Etymons: Latin formālis.

   formal, adj. & n. meanings, etymology and more - Oxford English Dictio…

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   How many meanings does the word formal have?

   • There are 25 meanings listed in OED's entry for the word formal, ten of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence. OED is undergoing a continuous programme of revision to modernize and improve definitions. This entry has not yet been fully revised. How common is the word formal?

   formal, adj. & n. meanings, etymology and more - Oxford English Dictio…

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   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 are formal clothes?

   • Formal clothes are very elegant clothes that are suitable for formal occasions. They wore ordinary ties instead of the more formal high collar and cravat. It was really too warm for her to dress so formally. Formal education or training is given officially, usually in a school, college, or university.

   FORMAL definition in American English | Collins English Dictionary

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

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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.

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

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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. www.oed.com › dictionary › formal_adjformal, adj. & n. meanings, etymology and more | Oxford ...

   www.oed.com › dictionary › formal_adj

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   The earliest known use of the word formal is in the Middle English period (1150—1500). OED's earliest evidence for formal is from around 1386, in the writing of Geoffrey Chaucer, poet and administrator. formal is a borrowing from Latin. Etymons: Latin formālis.

6. www.collinsdictionary.com › english › formalFORMAL definition in American English | Collins English ...

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   4 days ago · formal in American English. (ˈfɔrməl ) adjective. 1. of external form or structure, rather than nature or content. 2. of the internal form; relating to the intrinsic or essential character or nature. 3. of or according to prescribed or fixed customs, rules, ceremonies, etc.

7. www.britannica.com › dictionary › formalFormal Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary

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   • Overview
   • — formally

   2 ENTRIES FOUND:

   1 formal /ˈfoɚməl/ adjective

   1 formal

   /ˈfoɚməl/

   adjective

   Britannica Dictionary definition of FORMAL

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   adverb

   •dressed formally

   •They behave very formally with people they don't know well.

   •He formally announced his candidacy.

   [count] US

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

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

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

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

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   adjective. us / ˈfɔːr.məl / uk / ˈfɔː.məl / formal adjective (OFFICIAL) Add to word list. C1. public or official: formal procedures. a formal announcement. in appearance or by name only: I am the formal leader of the project but the everyday management is in the hands of my assistant. Fewer examples.