Formal dictionary definition

formal

[fôr′məl]

adjective

The definition of formal is something that follows rules, is a dressy or important occasion, or something that has official sanctioning or approval.
1. An example of formal is a dinner party at a mansion where everyone dresses up in fancy clothes and is very polite.
2. An example of formal is when a judge gives official approval of something.

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
1. having the appearance of being suitable, correct, etc., but not really so
2. stiff in manner; not warm or relaxed
1. designed for use or wear at ceremonies, elaborate parties, etc.: formal dress
2. 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.

Origin of formal

Middle English ; from Classical Latin formalis ; from forma, form

noun

formal Idioms

go formal

Informal to go dressed in evening clothes

adjective

a. Relating to or involving outward form or structure, often in contrast to content or meaning.
b. Being or relating to essential form or constitution: a formal principle.
Following or being in accord with accepted or prescribed forms, conventions, or regulations: had little formal education; went to a formal party.
a. Characterized by strict or meticulous observation of forms; methodical: very formal in their business transactions.
b. Stiffly ceremonious: a formal greeting.
Characterized by technical or polysyllabic vocabulary, complex sentence structure, and explicit transitions; not colloquial or informal: formal discourse.
Having the outward appearance but lacking in substance: a formal requirement that is usually ignored.

noun

Something, such as a gown or social affair, that is formal in nature.

Origin of formal

Middle English, from Latin fōrmālis, from fōrma, shape.

Related Forms:

Adjective

(comparative more formal, superlative most formal)

Being in accord with established forms.
Official.
Relating to the form or structure of something.
Ceremonial.
(horticulture) Organized; well-structured and planned.
(mathematics) Relating to mere manipulation and construction of strings of symbols, without regard to their meaning.
Formal series are defined without any reference to convergence.

Related terms

Noun

(plural formals)

Origin

From Middle English formel, from Old French formel, from Latin formalis, from forma (“form”); see form.

See also: formál