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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

     4

   • O

     1

   • R

     1

   • M

     3

   • A

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   • L

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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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   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. dictionary.cambridge.org › us › dictionaryFORMAL | definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary

   dictionary.cambridge.org › us › dictionary

   • Cached

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

5. 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.

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 › dictionary › learner-englishFORMAL | meaning - Cambridge Learner's Dictionary

   dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › learner-english

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   FORMAL definition: 1. used about clothes, language, and behaviour that are serious and not friendly or relaxed: 2…. Learn more.

8. 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 /