Comprehensive
Dictionary Suite
Help
Help
Help
 
     
Lookup History
formal

for·mal

formal

 
 
pronunciation:
for ml
parts of speech:
adjective, noun, adverb
features:
Word Combinations (adjective), Word Explorer, Word Parts
part of speech: adjective
definition 1: adhering to regulations or an officially recognized manner of operating; proper, legal, or official.
You will need a formal document to prove your ownership of the property.Our lawyer advised us to establish a formal agreement with our neighbors.Though he was well-read, he regretted his lack of formal education.The government is being forced to issue a formal apology.
synonyms:
conventional, correct, official, proper
antonyms:
colloquial, informal
similar words:
customary, legal, observant, regular, routine, seemly, standard, stiff, strict
definition 2: in accordance with well-established, solemn or polite customs and conventions; ceremonious.
Her sisters had had formal church weddings, but she wanted to get married at the beach.It was a formal dinner party and the guests were assigned their places at the table.
 
synonyms:
ceremonial, ceremonious, solemn
antonyms:
casual, homey, informal, unconventional
similar words:
conventional, pompous, ritual
definition 3: relating to the external features of something, rather than its content or substance.
similar words:
aesthetic
definition 4: pertaining to the structural elements of something.
She did an analysis of the formal features of the dialect.
synonyms:
structural
similar words:
organizational
definition 5: highly correct or proper in manner or tone, sometimes communicating coldness or stiffness.
His manner is rather formal, but you will find that he's a warm person when you get to know him.You don't need to be so formal with me. Please just call me "Frank."
synonyms:
ceremonious, punctilious, reserved, stiff
antonyms:
chatty, easy, familiar
similar words:
conservative, prim, proper, stilted, strait-laced, stuffy
definition 6: suggesting or displaying refinement or elegance combined with propriety, sometimes at the expense of emotional or physical comfort.
That restaurant has such a formal atmosphere that I can't relax there.You'll have to wear formal attire to the dance.
antonyms:
casual, informal
similar words:
fancy, stuffy
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
 
part of speech: noun
definition 1: a dance or other social event to which formal attire is worn.
Are you going to the winter formal?
synonyms:
prom
definition 2: a formal dress, esp. an evening gown.
She's shopping for a formal to wear to the prom.
synonyms:
dress
similar words:
gown
 
part of speech: adverb
definition: (informal) in formal clothing.
He doesn't like to dress formal.
synonyms:
formally
similar words:
fancily
derivations: formally (adv.), formality (n.)
Word Explorer
See
  behavior, dance, education, language, tradition
Word PartsSubscriber feature About this feature