formal
formal definition
for·mal (fôr′məl)
adjective
- of external form or structure, rather than nature or content
- of the internal form; relating to the intrinsic or essential character or nature
- of or according to prescribed or fixed customs, rules, ceremonies, etc. a formal wedding
- having the appearance of being suitable, correct, etc., but not really so
- stiff in manner; not warm or relaxed
- designed for use or wear at ceremonies, elaborate parties, etc. formal dress
- requiring clothes of this kind a formal dance
- done or made in orderly, regular fashion; methodical
- very regular or orderly in arrangement, pattern, etc.; rigidly symmetrical a formal garden
- done or made according to the forms that make explicit, definite, valid, etc. a formal contract
- designating education in schools, colleges, etc.
- designating or of the level of language usage characterized by expanded vocabulary, complete syntactic constructions, complex sentences, etc.
Etymology: ME < L formalis < forma, form
noun
- a formal dance or ball
- a woman's evening dress
formal Idioms
go formal
Informal to go dressed in evening clothes
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