Main Entry:

¹for·mal

Pronunciation:

\ˈfȯr-məl\

Function:

adjective

Etymology:

Middle English, from Latin formalis, from forma

Date:

14th century

1 a: belonging to or constituting the form or essence of a thing <formal cause> b: relating to or involving the outward form, structure, relationships, or arrangement of elements rather than content <formal logic> <a formal style of painting> <a formal approach to comparative linguistics>2 a: following or according with established form, custom, or rule <lacked formal schooling> <a formal dinner party> <formal attire> b: done in due or lawful form <a formal contract> <received formal recognition>3 a: characterized by punctilious respect for form : methodical <very formal in all his dealings> b: rigidly ceremonious : prim4: having the appearance without the substance <formal Christians who go to church only at Easter>

synonyms see ceremonial

— for·mal·ly \-mə-lē\ adverb

— for·mal·ness noun