adj
formal
FAW-muhl
adj
1
Following official or established rules and conventions.
"The company sent a formal letter announcing the merger."
"They had a formal dinner to celebrate the anniversary."
2
Following strict, precise rules or methods, as in logic or science.
"The proof relies on a formal system of mathematical logic."
How to Use Formal
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishOfficial, proper, or done according to set rules — the opposite of casual or informal.
Common pairings
formal attire
formal complaint
formal education
Word Forms
more formal comparative, formals plural, most formal superlative
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The company sent a _____ letter announcing the merger.
Etymology
From Old French formel, from Latin fōrmālis, from fōrma ("form").