Formal Definition

fôrməl
adjective
Of external form or structure, rather than nature or content.
Webster's New World
Of the internal form; relating to the intrinsic or essential character or nature.
Webster's New World
Of or according to prescribed or fixed customs, rules, ceremonies, etc.
A formal wedding.
Webster's New World
Characterized by strict or meticulous observation of forms; methodical.
Very formal in their business transactions.
American Heritage
Having the appearance of being suitable, correct, etc., but not really so.
Webster's New World
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
noun
Something, such as a gown or social affair, that is formal in nature.
American Heritage
A formal dance or ball.
Webster's New World
A woman's evening dress.
Webster's New World

Formalin.

Wiktionary
Synonyms:

Other Word Forms of Formal

Noun

Singular:
formal
Plural:
formals

Idioms, Phrasal Verbs Related to Formal

  • go formal

Origin of Formal

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

    From Wiktionary

  • Middle English from Latin fōrmālis from fōrma shape

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

Formal Sentence Examples

  • No. Do they ever have a formal dinner?

  • Alex was cordial to his father and formal to his sister.

  • Folks were a bit more formal back then.

  • Though he disclaims being a follower of Herbart, his formal definition of philosophy and his conception of the object of metaphysics are similar to those of Herbart, who defines philosophy as an attempt to remodel the notions given by experience.

  • You could wear a feed sack at a formal dinner and not look underdressed.

More Sentences

Related Articles

Find Similar Words

Find similar words to formal using the buttons below.

Words Starting With

FFOFOR

Words Ending With

LALMAL

Unscrambles

formal

Words Starting With F and Ending With L

Starts With F & Ends With LStarts With FO & Ends With LStarts With F & Ends With AL

Word Length

6 Letter Words6 Letter Words Starting With F6 Letter Words Ending With L