Yahoo Web Search

Search results

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

     1

   • L

     1

   Powered by Oxford Languages

   More Definitions, Word Origin & ScrabbleShow less

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

   See all results for this question

   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

   See all results for this question

   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

   See all results for this question

   What is a formal education?

   • (of education or training) received in a school, college, or university, with classes, exams, etc., rather than gained just through practical experience He has no formal teaching qualifications. Young children are beginning their formal education sometimes as early as four years old.

   formal adjective - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage notes

   www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/american_english/formal

   See all results for this question

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

   www.merriam-webster.com › dictionary › formal

   • Cached

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

   www.dictionary.com › browse › formal

   • Cached

   Formal means being in accordance with the usual requirements, customs, etc.; conventional, or marked by form or ceremony. It can also refer to a type of dance, a noun, or a chemical compound. See the origin, synonyms, and usage examples of formal.

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

   dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › english

   • Cached

   Learn the meaning of formal as an adjective and a noun in English, with synonyms, related words, and grammar tips. Find out how to use formal in different contexts, such as official, serious, educational, or gardening situations.

6. Videos

   • 

     4:00

     youtube.com

     Formal vs Informal writing

     Jul 10, 2019

     371K Views

   • 

     8:28

     youtube.com

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

     Sep 11, 2020

     346.2K Views

   • 

     21:53

     youtube.com

     How to Use Formal and Informal English - English Speaking and Writing Fluency

     Aug 4, 2017

     634K Views

   View all

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

   dictionary.cambridge.org › english › formal

   • Cached

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

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

   dictionary.cambridge.org › learner-english › formal

   • Cached

   Learn the meaning of formal as an adjective for clothes, language, behaviour, and education. See how to use formal in sentences and compare it with irony.

10. www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com › definitionformal adjective - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and ...

    www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com › definition

    • Cached

    Learn the meaning, pronunciation, and usage of the adjective formal, which describes something very correct and suitable for official or important occasions. See pictures, synonyms, and contrast with informal.