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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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   • L

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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 does it mean to be a formal person?

   • Being formal is all about being taken seriously. If you're invited to the White House, you'll want to make a good impression, so it's a good idea to adopt a generally formal demeanor. No jeans or trash talking allowed. In our casual world, there are still many times we need to be formal, like at weddings or funerals.

   Formal - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms | Vocabulary.com

   www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/formal

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   What is an informal definition?

   • In an Informal Definition… • the writer uses known words or examples to explain an unknown term. These definitions may be synonyms or antonyms introduced by or, in other words, or like. It could also be stipulation, analogy, or illustration. 19.

   Formal and infomal definitons | PPT - SlideShare

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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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   Mar 7, 2013 · 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, law, and etiquette.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. Videos

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

   www.vocabulary.com › dictionary › formal

   Being formal is all about being taken seriously. If you're invited to the White House, you'll want to make a good impression, so it's a good idea to adopt a generally formal demeanor.

10. 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.