formal
1 of 3adjective (1)
for·mal ˈfȯr-məl 
1
a
: belonging to or constituting the form or essence of a thing
formal cause
b
: relating to or involving the outward form, structure, relationships, or arrangement of elements rather than content
formal logic
a formal style of painting
a formal approach to comparative linguistics
2
a
: following or according with established form, custom, or rule
lacked formal schooling
a formal dinner party
formal attire
b
: done in due or lawful form
a formal contract
received formal recognition
3
a
: characterized by punctilious respect for form : methodical
very formal in all his dealings
b
: rigidly ceremonious : prim
the ambience was overly formal, everyone but me was wearing a suit and tie
James Suckling
James Suckling4
: having the appearance without the substance
formal Christians who go to church only at Easter
formally
ˈfȯr-mə-lē
adverb formalness noun
formal
2 of 3noun
: something (such as a dance or a dress) formal in character
formal
3 of 3adjective (2)
: molar entry 3
Synonyms
Adjective (1)
- ceremonial
- ceremonious
- conventional
- orthodox
- regular
- routine
Noun
- ball
- cotillion
- cotillon
- dance
- hop
- prom
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
Noun he asked her to the formal at the end of the year
Word History
Etymology
Adjective (1) and Noun
Middle English, from Latin formalis, from forma
Adjective (2)
formula + -al entry 1
First Known Use
Adjective (1)
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Noun
1605, in the meaning defined above
Adjective (2)
circa 1934, in the meaning defined above
Kids Definition
formal 1 of 2
adjective
for·mal ˈfȯr-məl
1
: following established form, custom, or rule
She wrote a formal apology.
2
: acquired by attending classes in a school
a formal education
3
: requiring proper clothing and manners
a formal dance
4
: suitable for a proper occasion
formal attire
formal
2 of 2noun
: a social gathering that requires proper clothing and behavior
Legal Definition
formal
adjective
for·mal
1
: relating to or involving outward form, structure, or arrangement rather than content
a formal defect in the pleadings
2
: requiring special or established solemnities or formalities especially in order to be effective or valid under the law
received formal notice
a formal criminal charge
3
: being such only as a matter of form : nominal
a formal party to a lawsuit
formally
adverb
as in systematically
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- systematically
- methodically
- deliberately
- gingerly
- orderly
- carefully
- punctiliously
- intentionally
- meticulously
- purposely
- purposefully
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- randomly
- irregularly
- informally
- anyway
- haphazardly
- casually
- arbitrarily
- desultorily
- erratically
- aimlessly
- anyhow
- carelessly
- indiscriminately
- capriciously
- whimsically
- haphazard
- offhandedly
- promiscuously
- inadvertently
- accidentally
- unconsciously
- unwittingly
- offhand
- unintentionally
- hit or miss
- willy-nilly
- anywise
- fortuitously
- helter-skelter