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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

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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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   Mar 7, 2013 · 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. 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.

5. www.vocabulary.com › dictionary › formalFormal - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms | Vocabulary.com

   www.vocabulary.com › dictionary › formal

   Being formal is all about being taken seriously. If you're invited to the White House, you'll want to make a good impression, so it's a good idea to adopt a generally formal demeanor. No jeans or trash talking allowed.

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

   dictionary.cambridge.org › us › dictionary

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   public or official: formal procedures. a formal announcement. in appearance or by name only: I am the formal leader of the project but the everyday management is in the hands of my assistant. Fewer examples. They wanted to make a formal complaint about their doctor. The US lodged a formal protest against the arrest of the foreign reporters.

7. www.collinsdictionary.com › dictionary › englishFORMAL definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary

   www.collinsdictionary.com › dictionary › english

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   Something that is done, written, or studied in a formal way has a very ordered, organized method or style.

8. www.thefreedictionary.com › formalFormal - definition of formal by The Free Dictionary

   www.thefreedictionary.com › formal

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   1. 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. 2. Following or being in accord with accepted or prescribed forms, conventions, or regulations: had little formal education; went to a formal party. 3. a.

9. www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com › definition › englishformal adjective - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage...

   www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com › definition › english

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   Definition of formal adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

10. premium-oxforddictionaries-com.libproxy.ucl.ac.uk › definition › englishformal - definition of formal in English from the Oxford ...

    premium-oxforddictionaries-com.libproxy.ucl.ac.uk › definition › english

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    done in accordance with convention or etiquette; suitable for or const.... Meaning, pronunciation and example sentences, English to English reference content.

11. dictionary.cambridge.org › us › dictionaryFORMAL | definition in the Cambridge Learner’s Dictionary

    dictionary.cambridge.org › us › dictionary

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    used about clothes, language, and behaviour that are serious and not friendly or relaxed: a formal dinner party. Fewer examples. formal dress. British people are often perceived as being very formal. He sounded very formal. She spoke in a very formal manner. The dinner was a formal affair.