formal
Looking for the meaning of formal? Explore definitions, parts of speech, and usage examples below.
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Formalin.
An evening gown.
An event with a formal dress code.
“Jenny took Sam to her Year 12 formal.”
A formal parameter.
Being in accord with established forms.
“She spoke formal English, without any dialect.”
Official.
“I'd like to make a formal complaint.”
Relating to the form or structure of something.
“Formal linguistics ignores the vocabulary of languages and focuses solely on their grammar.”
Relating to formation.
“The formal stage is a critical part of any child's development.”
Ceremonial or traditional.
“Formal wear must be worn at my wedding!”
Proper, according to strict etiquette; not casual.
“He's always very formal, and I wish he'd relax a bit.”
Organized; well-structured and planned.
“When they became a formal club the rowers built a small boathouse.”
Relating to mere manipulation and construction of strings of symbols, without regard to their meaning.
“Formal series are defined without any reference to convergence.”
Understanding "formal"
The word **"formal"** is a **noun** in the English language. It is phonetically pronounced as **/ˈfɔːməl/**. Explore the detailed meaning, morphological structure, and usage examples for **"formal"** in our dictionary below.
The English language is incredibly vast, and diving into the definition of the word "formal" provides a perfect example of its linguistic depth. Categorized primarily as a noun, the term "formal" holds specific syntactical roles within a sentence, allowing speakers and writers to convey precise meaning. Understanding how this word functions is an excellent step towards mastering advanced English vocabulary and improving overall reading comprehension.
For those looking to perfect their spoken English, noting the phonetic pronunciation of "formal" is crucial. It is typically transcribed as /ˈfɔːməl/. Proper enunciation ensures that your intended message is received clearly, preventing miscommunication in both formal and casual settings. Linguistic scholars often track the phonological evolution of words like "formal" to understand broader historical shifts in dialects and accents across different English-speaking populations.
When deciding how to use "formal" in everyday communication, it helps to look at exactly how it operates as a noun. In professional writing, academic essays, and creative literature, choosing the perfect vocabulary word can drastically elevate the tone of the text. Because "formal" carries its own unique connotations and denotations, swapping it for a simpler synonym might dilute the impact of your sentence.
Our comprehensive dictionary tool is designed to provide immediate, reliable definitions for thousands of terms, including "formal". By consistently exploring the nuances of vocabulary—including phonetics (/ˈfɔːməl/), part of speech (noun), and usage examples—you can significantly expand your linguistic repertoire. Bookmark this page as a quick reference tool whenever you encounter "formal" in reading materials or wish to incorporate it into your active vocabulary.
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How do I use formal in a sentence?
Refer to the usage examples above to see how "formal" can be used in academic and casual conversations.