formal

/ˈfɔɹməl/

IPA: /F AO1 R M AH0 L/

noun

adjective

1
Being in accord 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.”
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
Relating to mere manipulation and construction of strings of symbols, without regard to their meaning.
“Formal series are defined without any reference to convergence.”

Antonyms

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