for´mal|ly

for´mal|ly: for|mal «FR muhl», adjective, noun.

–adj.

1. with strict attention to outward forms and ceremonies; not familiar and homelike; stiff: »a formal greeting, a formal bow.

2. according to set customs or rules: »a formal invitation. The new ambassador paid a formal call on the President.

3. done, used, said, or otherwise employed, as a formality only; routine.

4. done with the proper forms; clear and definite: »A written contract is a formal agreement to do something.

5. very regular; symmetrical; orderly: »a formal arrangement of furniture, a formal poem. A cold-looking formal garden, cut into angles and rhomboids (Washington Irving).

6. having to do with the for not the content: »formal criticism, a formal analysis.

7. (of language) conforming to established convention in grammar, syntax, and pronunciation.

8. Philosophy. having to do with form; essential.

–n.

1. a formal dance, party, or other affair.

2. a gown worn to a formal affair: »She was dressed in her first formal. Women's apparel items likely to be popular this fall include knit dresses, beaded cocktail dresses, and long formals (Wall Street Journal).

╂[< Latin formālis < forma form, shape]

–for´mal|ly, adverb.

–for´mal|ness, noun.

Synonym Study adjective. 1, 2 Formal, conventional mean in keeping with outward forms and rules. Formal implies paying strict attention to prescribed forms and procedures, and suggests lack of warmth and naturalness: »A judge has a formal manner in a law court.
Conventional implies paying attention to generally accepted forms and customs of social behavior, and often suggests lack of originality: »She wrote a conventional note of sympathy.

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for|mal — «FR muhl», adjective, noun. –adj. 1. with strict attention to outward forms and ceremonies; not familiar and homelike; stiff: »a formal greeting, a formal bow. 2. according to set customs or rules: »a formal invitation. The new ambassador paid a… … Useful english dictionary
for|mal|i|ty — «fr MAL uh tee», noun, plural ties. 1. a procedure required by custom or rule; outward form; ceremony: »At a wedding there are many formalities. SYNONYM(S): ritual. 2. something done for the sake of form; something required by etiquette or custom … Useful english dictionary
for|mal|iz|er — «FR muh LY zuhr», noun. 1. a person who formalizes. 2. = formalist. (Cf. ↑formalist) … Useful english dictionary
for´mal|ness — for|mal «FR muhl», adjective, noun. –adj. 1. with strict attention to outward forms and ceremonies; not familiar and homelike; stiff: »a formal greeting, a formal bow. 2. according to set customs or rules: »a formal invitation. The new ambassador … Useful english dictionary
for´mal|i|za´tion — for|mal|ize «FR muh lyz», verb, ized, iz|ing. –v.t. 1. to make formal. 2. to give a definite form to: »He began to formalize his ideas on architecture into definite designs. 3. to raise careful objections to. –v.i. to be formal; act with… … Useful english dictionary
for´mal|iz|a|ble — for|mal|ize «FR muh lyz», verb, ized, iz|ing. –v.t. 1. to make formal. 2. to give a definite form to: »He began to formalize his ideas on architecture into definite designs. 3. to raise careful objections to. –v.i. to be formal; act with… … Useful english dictionary
for|mal|ize — «FR muh lyz», verb, ized, iz|ing. –v.t. 1. to make formal. 2. to give a definite form to: »He began to formalize his ideas on architecture into definite designs. 3. to raise careful objections to. –v.i. to be formal; act with formality.… … Useful english dictionary
for´mal|is´ti|cal|ly — for|mal|is|tic «FR muh LIHS tihk», adjective. of formalism or formalists; inclined to formalism: »a formalistic approach to the study of language. –for´mal|is´ti|cal|ly, adverb … Useful english dictionary
for|mal|is|tic — «FR muh LIHS tihk», adjective. of formalism or formalists; inclined to formalism: »a formalistic approach to the study of language. –for´mal|is´ti|cal|ly, adverb … Useful english dictionary
for|mal|ise — «FR muh lyz», transitive verb, intransitive verb, ised, is|ing. Especially British. formalize … Useful english dictionary

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for´mal|ly

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for´mal|ly

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