formal

¹for·mal

adjective \ˈfȯr-məl\

Definition of FORMAL

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

4

: having the appearance without the substance <formal Christians who go to church only at Easter>

— for·mal·ly \-mə-lē\ adverb

— for·mal·ness noun

Origin of FORMAL

Middle English, from Latin formalis, from forma

First Known Use: 14th century

Rhymes with FORMAL

normal

²formal

noun

Definition of FORMAL

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

Examples of FORMAL

1. <he asked her to the formal at the end of the year>

First Known Use of FORMAL

1605

Related to FORMAL

Synonyms

ball, cotillion (also cotillon), dance, hop, prom

Related Words

blowout, celebration, event, festival, festivity, fete (or fête), gala, masque (also mask), masquerade, mixer, party, reception, shindig, soiree (or soirée); hoedown, square dance

Other Clothing Terms

babushka, brogue, bumbershoot, cravat, dishabille, furbelow, layette, raiment, spectator

³formal

adjective

Definition of FORMAL

: ³molar

Origin of FORMAL

formula + ¹-al

First Known Use: circa 1934

Other Chemical Engineering Terms

alkali, cation, decant, hygroscopic, isotope, oxidize, slurry, solute, viscous