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- pronunciation:
- for
m
 l
- 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
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| 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
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| definition 3: |
relating to the external features of something, rather than its content or substance.
- similar words:
- aesthetic
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| 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
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| 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
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| 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
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| related words: |
ceremonious, distant, explicit, sober, stately |
| contrasting words: |
tacit |
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| 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
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| 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
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| related words: |
ball, dance, dress, function |
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| part of speech: |
adverb |
| definition: |
(informal) in formal clothing.
He doesn't like to dress formal.- synonyms:
- formally
- similar words:
- fancily
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| derivations: |
formally (adv.), formality (n.) |
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