formal

1 of 3

adjective (1)

for·​mal ˈfȯr-məl 

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 tie

—James Suckling

4

: having the appearance without the substance

formal Christians who go to church only at Easter

formally

ˈfȯr-mə-lē 

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)

: molar entry 3

Synonyms

Adjective (1)

• ceremonial
• ceremonious
• conventional
• orthodox
• regular
• routine

Noun

• ball
• cotillion
• cotillon
• dance
• hop
• prom

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

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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

Kids Definition

formal

1 of 2 adjective

for·​mal ˈfȯr-məl 

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

-mə-lē 

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