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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 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 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. Want to learn more?

   formal adjective - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage notes

   www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/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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   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. 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. Videos

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

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

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     Formal vs Informal writing

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6. 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.

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. 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 › definitionformal adjective - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and ...

   www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com › definition

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   Learn the meaning, pronunciation and usage of the adjective formal, which describes something very correct and suitable for official or important occasions. Find out the opposite, synonyms and related words of formal.

10. 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 for clothes, language, behaviour, and education. See how to use formal in sentences and compare it with irony.