释义 |
for·mal I. \ˈfȯrməl, -ȯ(ə)m-\ adjective Etymology: Middle English formal, formel, from Old French & Latin; Old French, from Latin formalis, from forma form + -alis -al 1. a. : belonging to or being the essential constitution of a thing as distinguished from the matter composing it < the formal nature of a square is a relation of lines and angles rather than a matter of space or solidity > often : having power to make a thing what it is : constitutive, essential < divine goodwill is the formal cause of human aspiration > b. : relating to, concerned with, or constituting the outward form, superficial qualities, or arrangement of something as distinguished from its content: as (1) : of, relating to, or preoccupied with the material or compositional factors in art or emphasizing these over other factors (as subject matter or content) < a formal style in painting > often : having a symmetrical arrangement of elements < formal balance in design > < a formal composition > (2) : consisting of, based upon, evidenced by, or considering observable similarities and differences in linguistic form as distinguished from logical, a priori, semantic, comparative, or historical similarities and differences < the formal approach to comparative linguistics > < a formal classification of language > (3) : of, relating to, or constituting logical, epistemological, or ontological forms; also : belonging to a formalized system : syntactical 2. a. : following or according with established form, custom, or rule : not deviating from what is usual or generally acceptable : conventional < still in constraint your suffering sex remains or bound in formal or in real chains — Alexander Pope > < paying formal attentions to his hostess > b. : done in due form : carried out with solemnity : ceremonial < no noble rite nor formal ostentation — Shakespeare > < received a formal rebuke before the whole congregation > c. obsolete : characterized by or formed in due order : regular 3. a. : based on forms and rules, especially such as are accepted by convention : of or following a prescribed form < a formal exposition > < formal landscape architecture > < a formal reception > b. : characterized by punctilious respect for form : exact, methodical, orderly < a man very formal in all his dealings > often : constrained by reason of excessive devotion to form : prim, rigid, stiff, ceremonious < those stern formal even formidable ancestors locked in their rigid armor of propriety > c. of a legal procedure : requiring special or stipulated solemnities or formalities to become effective (as in the creating of a legal relationship) 4. obsolete a. : sound in mind : sane b. : circumstantial 5. : having the appearance without the substance : being or subject to being so construed only as a matter of form < formal Christians who go to church on Easter Sunday to show off their new clothes > : nominal < a purely formal requirement that can be waived without trouble > < a formal party to a suit > Synonyms: see ceremonial II. noun (-s) : something formal in character: as a. : a social affair (as a dance) requiring formal evening dress b. (1) : evening dress (2) : a man's formal evening costume III. \fȯrˈmal\ noun (-s) Etymology: International Scientific Vocabulary, from formaldehyde 1. : methylal 2. : any acetal derived from formaldehyde and an alcohol < butyl formal > < polyvinyl formal > IV. \ˈfȯrməl\ adjective Etymology: formula + -al : molar III 2 < formal concentration of a solution > |