formal
FAW-muhl
Formal (adj) means following official or established rules and conventions. Example: “The company sent a formal letter announcing the merger.”
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."
"You must make a formal complaint in writing to the manager."
2
Following strict, precise rules or methods, as in logic or science.
"The proof relies on a formal system of mathematical logic."
"The scientists wrote a formal definition of the term for their report."
"Formal logic uses strict rules to decide whether an argument is valid."
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
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Word forms
- Plural
- formals
- Comparative
- more formal
- Superlative
- most formal
Fill the gap
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The company sent a _____ letter announcing the merger.
Etymology
From Old French formel, from Latin fōrmālis, from fōrma ("form").
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for formal
See all rhymes for formal →Frequently asked questions
What does “formal” mean?
The word “formal” means following official or established rules and conventions. In plain terms, official, proper, or done according to set rules — the opposite of casual or informal.
How do you pronounce “formal”?
“Formal” is pronounced FAW-muhl (/ˈfɔɹməl/ in IPA).
How do you use “formal” in a sentence?
Here is “formal” used in a sentence: “The company sent a formal letter announcing the merger.”
What is the opposite of “formal”?
The opposite of “formal” — its antonyms — is informal.
What part of speech is “formal”?
“Formal” is an adjective.
Where does the word “formal” come from?
The word “formal” comes from Latin. From Old French formel, from Latin fōrmālis, from fōrma ("form").
Is “formal” a common word?
“Formal” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “formal” have?
“Formal” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: following official or established rules and conventions.
What is the difference between formal and informal?
Formal means following official rules and conventions, so it suits serious settings like ceremonies, business, or academic writing. Informal is casual and relaxed, the way you speak with friends. A formal email uses full sentences and polite structure; an informal one may use slang, contractions, and a friendly tone.
What is an example of formal?
A wedding invitation, a job interview, and a business letter are all formal because they follow expected conventions. Formal clothing such as a suit or gown fits this idea too. In each case, established rules of dress, language, or behavior are being carefully observed rather than relaxed.
Is formal good or bad?
Neither; formal is neutral and its value depends on the situation. In a courtroom or official ceremony, being formal shows respect and seriousness. At a casual gathering, the same formality can feel stiff or distant. The key is matching your level of formality to what the setting calls for.
What is the opposite of formal?
The main opposite is informal, meaning casual and relaxed. Related opposites include casual, relaxed, and colloquial, which describe everyday language or behavior that ignores strict rules. Where formal follows established conventions, these words describe a looser, friendlier, more spontaneous style.
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