formal

adjective

UK /ˈfɔː(r)m(ə)l/

1
following the correct or suitable official methods
The government is promising a formal investigation.
They have offered me the job, but I don’t yet have a formal contract.
We intend to make a formal written complaint.
Synonyms and related words
Describing or relating to ways of doing things
as if
bottom-up
by dint of something
2
correct or conservative in style, and suitable for official or serious situations or occasions
When we first met, he was a little stiff and formal.
Business letters do not always have to be impersonal and formal.
‘Ameliorate’ is a more formal way of saying ‘improve’.
Synonyms and related words
Words used to describe writing or speech style
articulate
be couched in something
chatty
1. 2a
  a formal event or social occasion is an important or official one at which people wear special clothes
  The Queen will be the host at a formal dinner tonight.
  Synonyms and related words
  Words used to describe social events
  bacchanalian
  by invitation (only)
  formal
2. 2b
  formal clothes are the special clothes that people wear at formal occasions, traditionally a black jacket and trousers for men and a long dress for women
  Synonyms and related words
  Words used to describe clothes
  A-line
  backless
  baggy
3
formal education or training is obtained from studying rather than from working at a job
She’s got a lot of experience but no formal qualifications.
Synonyms and related words
Describing or relating to teaching or learning
academic
academically
advanced
4
usually before nounrelating to the form or structure of something such as a piece of writing, art, or music
the formal innovations in Mozart’s music
Synonyms and related words
Words used to describe works of art or crafts
a
abstract
accessible
5
formal gardens have plants and paths arranged in a set of regular patterns
Synonyms and related words
Gardening
aerate
bed out
bonsai

formal

adjective

US /ˈfɔrm(ə)l/

1
following the correct or suitable official methods
The government is promising a formal investigation.
They have offered me the job, but I don’t yet have a formal contract.
We intend to make a formal written complaint.
Synonyms and related words
Describing or relating to ways of doing things
as if
bottom-up
by dint of something
2
correct or conservative in style, and appropriate for official or serious situations or occasions
When we first met, he was a little stiff and formal.
Business letters do not always have to be impersonal and formal.
“Ameliorate” is a more formal way of saying “improve.”
Synonyms and related words
Words used to describe writing or speech style
articulate
be couched in something
chatty
1. 2a
  a formal event or social occasion is an important or official one at which people wear special clothes
  The Queen will be the host at a formal dinner tonight.
  Synonyms and related words
  Words used to describe social events
  bacchanalian
  by invitation (only)
  BYOB
2. 2b
  formal clothes are the special clothes that people wear at formal occasions, usually a black jacket and pants for men and a long dress for women
  Synonyms and related words
  Words used to describe clothes
  A-line
  backless
  baggy
3
formal education or training is obtained from studying rather than from working at a job
She’s got a lot of experience but no formal qualifications.
Synonyms and related words
Describing or relating to teaching or learning
academic
academically
advanced
4
usually before nounrelating to the form or structure of something such as a piece of writing, art, or music
the formal innovations in Mozart’s music
Synonyms and related words
Words used to describe works of art or crafts
a
abstract
accessible
5
formal gardens have plants and paths arranged in a set of regular patterns
Synonyms and related words
Gardening
aerate
bed out
bonsai

formal

noun countable American

UK /ˈfɔː(r)m(ə)l/

Word Forms

singular	formal
plural	formals

1
a dance to which people wear formal clothes
Synonyms and related words
Styles of dancing
ballroom dancing
body popping
breakdancing
2
a long dress worn to a formal dance
Synonyms and related words
Skirts and dresses
ballgown
caftan
chemise

formal

noun countable American

US /ˈfɔrm(ə)l/

Word Forms

singular	formal
plural	formals

1
a dance to which people wear formal clothes
Synonyms and related words
Styles of dancing
ballroom dancing
body popping
breakdancing
2
a long dress worn to a formal dance
Synonyms and related words
Skirts and dresses
ballgown
chemise
cheongsam

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