formal

comparative more formal · superlative most formal

1. In accordance with established forms.

   She spoke formal English, without any dialect.

2. Official.

   I'd like to make a formal complaint.

3. Relating to the form or structure of something.

   Formal linguistics ignores the vocabulary of languages and focuses solely on their grammar.

   1 more example

   THE THREE DOMINANT FORMS IN METALSMITHING […] At present, there are but three basic volumetric forms dominating the work of metalsmiths, the spherical (usually in its most practical form, the domical), the cylindrical, and the cubical. […] The possibilities for further variations on them are all but exhausted, there being little chance to express new and unusual ideas within the framework of such limited choices. As a result, much of twentieth-century metalsmithing has relied on surface enrichment rather than formal development for its originality.

   1978, Heikki Seppä, Form Emphasis for Metalsmiths, [Kent, Oh.]: Kent State University Press, →ISBN, page 1

4. Relating to formation.

   The formal stage is a critical part of any child's development.

5. Ceremonial or traditional.

   Formal wear must be worn at my wedding!

6. Proper, according to strict etiquette; not casual.

   He's always very formal, and I wish he'd relax a bit.

7. Organized; well-structured and planned.

   When they became a formal club the rowers built a small boathouse.

8. especiallyhuman sciencesIn accordance with a methodological framework with well-defined rules or laws; rigorous.

   A set of words can be formal cognates only if they can be derived from a common ancestor by regular sound laws.

   2 more examples

   Despite efforts by limnologists and freshwater biologists to create a formal definition of “pond”, there is still no universal distinction between a “pond” and a “lake”.

   Only formal proofs, which derive theorems logically from their given axioms, are considered satisfactory in modern mathematics.

9. human sciencesRelating to mere manipulation and construction of strings of symbols, without regard to their meaning.

   Formal series are defined without any reference to convergence.

plural formals

1. countableuncountablebusinessAn evening gown.

   Well, I open up the door / And much to my surprise / The girls were wearin' formals / And the boys were wearin' ties

   1965, Shadow Morton, “Sophisticated Boom Boom”, performed by The Shangri-Las

2. countableuncountableAn event with a formal dress code.

   Jenny took Sam to her Year 12 formal.

   1 more example

   I mean, the Winter Formal is something that our kids have looked forward to their entire high school career.

   2017, Mike Oppenhuizen, Jen Regan, “The D-Train to Bone Town” (17:40 from the start), in Michael Patrick Jann, director, Atypical, season 1, episode 6, spoken by April (Nakia Burrise), via Netflix

3. countableuncountablecomputingA formal parameter.
4. abbreviationcountableellipsisuncountableOxbridge slangEllipsis of formal hall.

plural formals

1. uncountableFormalin.
2. countableuncountableAn acetal formed from formaldehyde.