formal
ˈfɔːməl
Definition Synonyms

Definition of formal - Reverso English Dictionary

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Adjective

1.
ceremonyofficial or relating to an official context
  • He submitted a formal request for the documents.
ceremonial official stately
2.
organizationorganized and well-structured
  • The meeting followed a formal agenda.
structured systematic
3.
etiquetteproper according to strict etiquette
  • She wore a formal dress to the gala.
ceremonious proper stately

Noun

1.
eventssocial event with strict dress code
  • The annual formal required black tie attire..
ball gala
2.
educationRareUKshort name for an Oxbridge college dinner eventRareUK
  • We attended a formal at the college hall.
banquet dinner feast
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Expressions with formal

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make something official or recognized by rules or agreement
They decided to put on a formal footing their partnership.
organized instruction with set courses usually provided by schools or training programs
She received formal training in graphic design at the local college.
event where people wear fancy clothes and act politely
We were invited to a formal do at the hotel.
official exchange of information using fixed rules and set formats
Formal communication is required when sharing policy changes with all employees.
official request for something made in a serious or legal way
The company sent a formal demand for payment to the client.
garden with symmetrical layout and geometric designs
The palace had a beautiful formal garden with hedges and fountains.

Origin of formal

Latin, formalis (of a form)

Terms with formal included in their meaning

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beforeprep.
order
preceding in a formal order
formal wear
clothing suitable for a formal occasion
education
formal test of a student's knowledge or skills
formal assembly
gathering of people for discussion
authorization
formal consent from someone in authority
sirn.
formal address
title of respect for a man
academic
formal examination to assess knowledge or skills
formal union
enter into a legal or recognized union typically as spouses

Examples of formal in a sentence

  • A formal ceremony was held to honor the retirees.
  • The event was conducted in a formal manner.
  • He wore a formal suit to the ceremony.
  • The event required formal attire for all attendees.
  • He gave a formal speech at the award ceremony.
  • They attended a formal dinner at the embassy.

View all translations of formal

Click below to see the appropriate translations facing each meaning.
  1. French:officiel, bal, ...
  2. German:formell, formelle Veranstaltung, ...
  3. Italian:formale, evento formale, ...
  4. Spanish:formal, evento formal, ...
  5. Portuguese:formal, baile de gala, ...
  6. Chinese:正式的, 正式舞会, ...
  7. Japanese:正式な, フォーマルイベント, ...
  8. Arabic:رَسْمِيّ, حفل رسمي, ...
  9. Hebrew:רִשְׁמִי, נֶשֶׁף רִשְׁמִי, ...
  10. Russian:официальный, официальное мероприятие, ...
  11. Ukrainian:офіційний, офіційний захід, ...
  12. Hindi:औपचारिक, औपचारिक कार्यक्रम, ...

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