Formal
/ˈfɔːrməl/
Definitions
2 meaningsConforming to established rules, customs, or standards; official or ceremonious.
/ˈfɔːrməl/
Following established rules or customs.
The meeting followed a formal agenda.
💡 Simply: Like when you dress up in fancy clothes for a special event, or when you use 'please' and 'thank you' to be polite. It means doing things in a proper, official way.
👶 For kids: When things are formal, it means doing things the way they are supposed to be done, like wearing a special outfit or using fancy words.
More Examples
She wrote a formal letter of complaint.
The event required formal attire.
He maintained a formal distance from his colleagues.
How It's Used
"A formal dinner requires specific etiquette."
"The company prefers a formal style in all written communications."
Appropriate for special occasions; elegant or elaborate.
/ˈfɔːrməl/
Suited to or used on special occasions.
They were invited to a formal dinner.
💡 Simply: It means fancy or special. Like wearing a tuxedo to a black-tie event or dressing up in your best clothes for a party.
👶 For kids: When things are formal, it means dressing up or doing something special like a fancy party or a wedding.
More Examples
He bought a formal suit for the interview.
The invitation specified formal dress code.
She preferred a formal hairstyle for the occasion.
How It's Used
"She wore a formal gown to the ball."
"The formal dance was a highlight of the evening."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
Formaldehyde
A colorless pungent gas used to preserve biological specimens.
"The scientist used formaldehyde to preserve the specimen for examination."
From Latin *formalis* ('relating to form'), derived from *forma* ('form, shape'). The word developed to describe adherence to prescribed rules or etiquette.
The word 'formal' has a long history, and it has been used to denote order and structure since the 16th century, often referring to ceremonies or legal documents.
Memory tip
Think of a FORM-al setting where everything is in its pre-defined shape and order.
Word Origin
"form, shape"