Meaning & Definition of Formal in English
English⟶
Formal
/fɔrməl/
noun
1. A lavish dance requiring formal attire
synonym:
- ball,
- formal
2. A gown for evening wear
synonym:
- dinner dress,
- dinner gown,
- formal,
- evening gown
adjective
1. Being in accord with established forms and conventions and requirements (as e.g. of formal dress)
- "Pay one's formal respects"
- "Formal dress"
- "A formal ball"
- "The requirement was only formal and often ignored"
- "A formal education"
synonym:
- formal
2. Characteristic of or befitting a person in authority
- "Formal duties"
- "An official banquet"
synonym:
- formal
3. (of spoken and written language) adhering to traditional standards of correctness and without casual, contracted, and colloquial forms
- "The paper was written in formal english"
synonym:
- formal
4. Represented in simplified or symbolic form
synonym:
- conventional,
- formal,
- schematic
5. Logically deductive
- "Formal proof"
synonym:
- formal
6. Refined or imposing in manner or appearance
- Befitting a royal court
- "A courtly gentleman"
synonym:
- courtly,
- formal,
- stately
Examples of using
We should write a formal letter to the director.
You don't need to prepare a formal speech.
You don't have to be so formal.