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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

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

   dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › english

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

3. 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.

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

   www.collinsdictionary.com › dictionary › english

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   Formal speech or behaviour is very correct and serious rather than relaxed and friendly, and is used especially in official situations. ...a formal letter of apology. American English : formal / ˈfɔrməl /

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

   www.thefreedictionary.com › formal

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   formal. (ˈfɔːməl) adj. 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. 4.

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.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.

9. www.yourdictionary.com › formalFormal Definition & Meaning - YourDictionary

   www.yourdictionary.com › formal

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   Formal definition: Following or being in accord with accepted or prescribed forms, conventions, or regulations.

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

    www.ldoceonline.com › dictionary › formal

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    Origin formal1 (1300-1400) Latin formalis, from forma; → FORM1. formal meaning, definition, what is formal: made or done officially or publicly: Learn more.

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

    www.britannica.com › dictionary › formal

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    a : made or done in an official and usually public way. He wrote up a formal statement of his political beliefs. She received formal recognition for her volunteer work. He has made a formal announcement of his candidacy. b : done in a proper way according to the law. a formal contract.