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   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. People also ask

   What does formal mean?

   • Get Word of the Day daily email! 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 is a formal adjective?

   • Definition of formal adjective from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary (of a style of dress, speech, writing, behaviour, etc.) very correct and suitable for official or important occasions The dinner was a formal affair. He kept the tone of the letter formal and businesslike. His manner was stiffly formal.

   formal adjective - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage notes

   www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/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 are formal clothes?

   • Formal clothes are very smart 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. Something that is done, written, or studied in a formal way has a very ordered, organized method or style.

   FORMAL definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary

   www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/formal

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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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   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. 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.

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

   dictionary.cambridge.org › english › formal

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

7. 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.

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

   www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com › formal

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   Definition of formal adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.