Formulate
/ˈfɔːrmjəleɪt/
Definitions
3 meaningsTo create or invent something, especially a plan, a proposal, or a theory, in a careful or systematic way.
/ˈfɔːrmjəleɪt/
To create or devise something systematically.
The committee will formulate a plan of action.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're planning a surprise party. Formulating means carefully coming up with all the details – the invitations, the food, the games – so everything goes perfectly.
👶 For kids: To make a plan or idea carefully, like when you decide how to build a cool Lego castle.
More Examples
She carefully formulated her argument before the debate.
The scientists are attempting to formulate a new theory about the universe.
How It's Used
"The company formulated a new marketing strategy to increase sales."
"Scientists formulated a hypothesis to explain the observed phenomenon."
"The lawyers formulated a legal argument to present to the judge."
To express something in a clear, systematic way.
/ˈfɔːrmjəleɪt/
To express something precisely.
She formulated her thoughts into a well-written essay.
💡 Simply: When you're explaining something important, formulating means saying it in a way that's super clear, so everyone gets what you mean, like explaining the rules of a game.
👶 For kids: To say something clearly and carefully, like when you tell a story.
More Examples
He struggled to formulate a response to the question.
The lawyer was able to formulate a coherent argument.
How It's Used
"He formulated his opinions clearly and concisely during the meeting."
"The politician formulated his policy positions for the upcoming election."
To create or make something using a specific formula or ingredients.
/ˈfɔːrmjəleɪt/
To make or create something using a specific formula.
The scientists formulated a new drug to treat the disease.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're baking a cake using a specific recipe. Formulating in this sense means putting together the ingredients in the right amounts to create the final product.
👶 For kids: To mix things together to make something new, like following a recipe to make cookies.
More Examples
The cosmetics company is formulating a new line of skincare products.
The researchers formulated a new type of fuel.
How It's Used
"The chemists formulated a new solution for the experiment."
"The company is formulating a new type of baby food."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
formulate a plan
To develop and establish a plan of action.
"The team needed to formulate a plan to improve sales."
formulate a theory
To develop a theory to explain something.
"Scientists formulated a new theory to explain the origins of the universe."
From Latin *formular*, meaning 'to give a form or shape'. It passed through Old French before entering English.
The word 'formulate' first appeared in English in the mid-17th century.
Memory tip
Imagine shaping clay (form) to create a perfect plan or idea, like formulating a winning strategy.
Word Origin
"to give a form or shape"