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1. Dictionary

   formal

   /ˈfɔːml/

   adjective

   • 1. done in accordance with convention or etiquette; suitable for or constituting an official or important occasion: "a formal dinner party" Similar ceremonialceremoniousritualisticritualconventionaltraditionalorthodoxprescribedfixedsetstatelycourtlysolemndignifiedelaborateornatedressyOpposite informal
   • ▪ (of a person or their manner) strictly conventional: "he is formal in manner and clothing" Similar aloofreservedremotedetachedunapproachablestand-offishkeeping 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
   • 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 as distinct from content: "I don't know enough about art to appreciate the purely formal qualities"
   • ▪ having the form or appearance without the spirit: "the committee stage would be purely formal"
   • ▪ relating to linguistic or logical form as opposed to function or meaning.

   noun

   • 1. an evening dress: 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, mould’ (see form).

   Scrabble Points: 11

   • F

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   • O

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   • R

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   • M

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   • A

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   More definitions, origin and scrabble points

2. 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.

   • Znaczenie Formal, Definicja W Cambridge English Dictionary

     FORMAL definicja: 1. public or official: 2. in appearance or...

   • English (US)

     FORMAL meaning: 1. public or official: 2. in appearance or...

   • Formal: Polish Translation

     FORMAL translate: oficjalny, oficjalny, formalny, oficjalny,...

   • Formal: Arabic Translation

     FORMAL translate: رَسْمي, رَسْمي. Learn more in the...

   • Formal: Russian Translation

     FORMAL translate: официальный, парадный, торжественный ,...

   • Formal: Italian Translation

     formal translate: formale, formale, formale, formale, da...

   • Formal: German Translation

     FORMAL translate: förmlich, konventionell, steif, formell,...

   • Formal: French Translation

     FORMAL translate: formel/-elle, officiel/-elle,...

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

   www.merriam-webster.com › dictionary › formal

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   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, logic, law, and etiquette.

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

   www.dictionary.com › browse › formal

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   Formal means being in accordance with established or prescribed forms, conventions, or customs. It can also refer to a type of dance, a style of dress, or a mode of language. Learn more about the word history, synonyms, and examples of formal.

5. www.collinsdictionary.com › dictionary › englishFORMAL definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary

   www.collinsdictionary.com › dictionary › english

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   Learn the various meanings and uses of the word formal in English, with synonyms, examples, and pronunciation. Formal can describe speech, behaviour, clothes, occasions, education, language, and more.

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

   www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com › definition › english

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   (of a style of dress, speech, writing, behaviour, etc.) very correct and suitable for official or important occasions. ladies in formal evening wear. The dinner was a formal affair. He kept the tone of the letter formal and businesslike. His manner was stiffly formal. opposite informal. Extra Examples. Topics Clothes and Fashion a2.

7. 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. No jeans or trash talking allowed.

8. 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 something that is methodical, ceremonious, or academic. See different meanings, synonyms, and usage examples of formal.