formal
♦♦ for|mal /f'ɔːrməl/ (formals)
1 [ADJ]
Formal speech or behaviour is very correct and serious rather than relaxed and friendly, and is used especially in official situations.
He wrote a very formal letter of apology to Douglas...
Business relationships are necessarily a bit more formal.
≠ informal
● formally [ADV] ADV with v
He took her back to Vincent Square in a taxi, saying goodnight formally on the doorstep.
● formality [N-UNCOUNT]
Lillith's formality and seriousness amused him.
2 [ADJ] ADJ n
A formal action, statement, or request is an official one.
UN officials said a formal request was passed to American authorities...
No formal announcement had been made.
≠ informal
● formally [ADV] ADV with v
Diplomats haven't formally agreed to Anderson's plan...
3 [ADJ] usu ADJ n
Formal occasions are special occasions at which people wear smart clothes and behave according to a set of accepted rules.
One evening the film company arranged a formal dinner after the play.
≠ informal
[N-COUNT]
Formal is also a noun.
...a wide array of events, including school formals and speech nights, weddings, and balls.
4 [ADJ] ADJ n
Formal clothes are very smart clothes that are suitable for formal occasions.
They wore ordinary ties instead of the more formal high collar and cravat.
≠ informal, casual
● formally [ADV] ADV after v, ADV -ed
It was really too warm for her to dress so formally.
5 [ADJ] ADJ n
Formal education or training is given officially, usually in a school, college, or university.
Leroy didn't have any formal dance training.
● formally [ADV] ADV -ed
Mr Dawe was the ancient, formally trained head gardener.
6
see also formality
1 [ADJ]
Formal speech or behaviour is very correct and serious rather than relaxed and friendly, and is used especially in official situations.
He wrote a very formal letter of apology to Douglas...
Business relationships are necessarily a bit more formal.
≠ informal
● formally [ADV] ADV with v
He took her back to Vincent Square in a taxi, saying goodnight formally on the doorstep.
● formality [N-UNCOUNT]
Lillith's formality and seriousness amused him.
2 [ADJ] ADJ n
A formal action, statement, or request is an official one.
UN officials said a formal request was passed to American authorities...
No formal announcement had been made.
≠ informal
● formally [ADV] ADV with v
Diplomats haven't formally agreed to Anderson's plan...
3 [ADJ] usu ADJ n
Formal occasions are special occasions at which people wear smart clothes and behave according to a set of accepted rules.
One evening the film company arranged a formal dinner after the play.
≠ informal
[N-COUNT]
Formal is also a noun.
...a wide array of events, including school formals and speech nights, weddings, and balls.
4 [ADJ] ADJ n
Formal clothes are very smart clothes that are suitable for formal occasions.
They wore ordinary ties instead of the more formal high collar and cravat.
≠ informal, casual
● formally [ADV] ADV after v, ADV -ed
It was really too warm for her to dress so formally.
5 [ADJ] ADJ n
Formal education or training is given officially, usually in a school, college, or university.
Leroy didn't have any formal dance training.
● formally [ADV] ADV -ed
Mr Dawe was the ancient, formally trained head gardener.
6
see also formality