formal

Etymology

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

Pronunciation

• (General American) IPA^(key): /ˈfɔɹməl/
• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /ˈfɔːməl/
• Hyphenation: for‧mal

• Audio (US)

  (file)

• Rhymes: -ɔː(ɹ)məl

Adjective

formal (comparative more formal, superlative most formal)

1. Being in accord with established forms.

   She spoke formal English, without any dialect.

2. Official.

   I'd like to make a formal complaint.

3. Relating to the form or structure of something.

   Formal linguistics ignores the vocabulary of languages and focuses solely on their grammar.

   • 1978, Heikki Seppä, Form Emphasis for Metalsmiths, [Kent, Oh.]: Kent State University Press, →ISBN, page 1:

     THE THREE DOMINANT FORMS IN METALSMITHING […] At present, there are but three basic volumetric forms dominating the work of metalsmiths, the spherical (usually in its most practical form, the domical), the cylindrical, and the cubical. […] The possibilities for further variations on them are all but exhausted, there being little chance to express new and unusual ideas within the framework of such limited choices. As a result, much of twentieth-century metalsmithing has relied on surface enrichment rather than formal development for its originality.

4. Relating to formation.

   The formal stage is a critical part of any child's development.

5. Ceremonial or traditional.

   Formal wear must be worn at my wedding!

6. Proper, according to strict etiquette; not casual.

   He's always very formal, and I wish he'd relax a bit.

7. Organized; well-structured and planned.

   When they became a formal club the rowers built a small boathouse.

8. (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.

Noun

formal (countable and uncountable, plural formals)

1. (uncountable) Formalin.
2. An evening gown.
3. An event with a formal dress code.

   Jenny took Sam to her Year 12 formal.

4. (programming) A formal parameter.

Anagrams

• Folmar

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin formalis.

Pronunciation

• (Balearic, Valencian) IPA^(key): /foɾˈmal/
• (Central) IPA^(key): /furˈmal/

Adjective

formal (masculine and feminine plural formals)

1. formal

Etymology

Latin formalis, from forma (“form”).

Adjective

formal

1. formal

References

• Mirjejev, V. A.; Usejinov, S. M. (2002) Ukrajinsʹko-krymsʹkotatarsʹkyj slovnyk [Ukrainian – Crimean Tatar Dictionary]‎, Simferopol: Dolya, →ISBN

Adjective

formal m, f (plural formais)

1. formal

Etymology

Form +‎ -al

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /fɔʁˈmaːl/

• Audio

  (file)

• Rhymes: -aːl

Adjective

formal (comparative formaler, superlative am formalsten)

1. formal (being in accord with established forms)

Further reading

• formal in Duden online

Adjective

formal m, f (plural formais, comparable)

1. formal (being in accord with established forms)
2. formal (official)
3. formal (relating to the form or structure of something)
4. formal (ceremonial)
5. (logic) formal (involving mere manipulations of symbols)

Etymology

Borrowed from French formel < Latin formalis.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /forˈmal/

Adjective

formal m, n (feminine singular formală, masculine plural formali, feminine and neuter plural formale)

1. formal

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin formalis.

Adjective

formal (plural formales)

1. formal