formal

1 of 3

adjective (1)

for·​mal ˈfȯr-məl How to pronounce formal (audio)
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 : prim
the ambience was overly formal, everyone but me was wearing a suit and tieJames Suckling
4
: having the appearance without the substance
formal Christians who go to church only at Easter
formally adverb
formalness noun

formal

2 of 3

noun

: something (such as a dance or a dress) formal in character

formal

3 of 3

adjective (2)

Choose the Right Synonym for formal

ceremonial, ceremonious, formal, conventional mean marked by attention to or adhering strictly to prescribed forms.

ceremonial and ceremonious both imply strict attention to what is prescribed by custom or by ritual, but ceremonial applies to things that are associated with ceremonies

a ceremonial offering

, ceremonious to persons given to ceremony or to acts attended by ceremony.

made his ceremonious entrance

formal applies both to things prescribed by and to persons obedient to custom and may suggest stiff, restrained, or old-fashioned behavior.

a formal report
the headmaster's formal manner

conventional implies accord with general custom and usage

conventional courtesy

and may suggest a stodgy lack of originality or independence.

conventional fiction

Examples of formal in a Sentence

Noun he asked her to the formal at the end of the year
Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
Qatar, the country most diplomatically engaged in the crisis, does not have formal diplomatic relations with Israel, but has succeeded in mediating a temporary pause in the fighting — allowing for the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners. Susannah George, Washington Post, 29 Nov. 2023 Key Background The vote could mark the first time Santos has faced formal punishment for the litany of ethical and criminal allegations against him that emerged shortly after his election to Congress in November of last year. Sara Dorn, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2023 However, the Gwyneth V-Neck Slip Dress offers a more formal take on the slip-dress trend, and it's marked down 57 percent. Wendy Vazquez, Southern Living, 28 Nov. 2023 On Tuesday, Israeli news outlets reported that Israel — which has long wanted to establish formal relations with Saudi Arabia — had withdrawn its support for the Saudi bid because of Riyadh’s opposition to the war in Gaza. Vivian Nereim, New York Times, 28 Nov. 2023 For Friday’s title game, the Matadors went formal, dressed in black. Don Norcross, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Nov. 2023 The Chinese government considers Taiwan a breakaway province, and has not ruled out using military force to prevent it from declaring formal independence. Lionel Lim, Fortune, 23 Nov. 2023 The west wing of the residence houses a formal dining room, a sunlit chef's kitchen and three en-suite bedrooms that are connected by a sitting room. Ingrid Vasquez, Peoplemag, 17 Nov. 2023 Some leaders, including President Biden, are calling for humanitarian pauses in fighting to facilitate aid deliveries; while a growing group, including French President Emmanuel Macron and leaders of many Arab states, is calling for a more formal cease-fire. Kelsey Ables, Washington Post, 16 Nov. 2023
Noun
Min was class president all four years of high school and elected king of the winter formal. Matt Stevens, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'formal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Adjective (1) and Noun

Middle English, from Latin formalis, from forma

Adjective (2)

formula + -al entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1605, in the meaning defined above

Adjective (2)

circa 1934, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of formal was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near formal

Cite this Entry

“Formal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/formal. Accessed 8 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

formal

1 of 2 adjective
for·​mal ˈfȯr-məl How to pronounce formal (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or being the form of something rather than content
2
a
: following or agreeing with established form, custom, or rule
a formal education
b
: relating to, suitable for, or being an event requiring elegant dress and manners
a formal ball
formal dress
3
: done in due or lawful form
a formal contract
formally adverb
formalness noun

formal

2 of 2 noun
: something (as a dance) formal in nature

Legal Definition

formal

adjective
for·​mal
1
: relating to or involving outward form, structure, or arrangement rather than content
a formal defect in the pleadings
2
: requiring special or established solemnities or formalities especially in order to be effective or valid under the law
received formal notice
a formal criminal charge
3
: being such only as a matter of form : nominal
a formal party to a lawsuit

More from Merriam-Webster on formal

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