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- pronunciation:
- for
m
 l
- parts of speech:
- adjective, noun
- features:
- Word Explorer, Word Parts
| part of speech: |
adjective |
| definition 1: |
If your manner or language is formal, it is very correct and polite. It is often used to show respect to people who are outside of one's family and friends. Formal language often uses words or phrases that are not very common in ordinary, everyday speaking. And formal language goes by rules that are not always obeyed when people are speaking in a relaxed manner with people they know well.
The school principal wrote to the parents using very formal language."Good evening" and "Good day" are more formal ways of saying hello than "Hi!"He's a kind man really, but his manner is so formal that he might not seem very friendly.- synonyms:
- reserved, stiff
- similar words:
- proper
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| definition 2: |
When something is formal, it is somewhat fancy and very correct. It might not be very relaxed and comfortable.
My mom says we have to wear formal clothes to the wedding, so I have to wear a suit and tie, and I can't wear my sneakers.My parents' parties seem kind of formal to me. Nobody talks or laughs loud, and there is no music or dancing.- antonyms:
- casual, informal
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| definition 3: |
If something is formal, it is done in the completely correct or proper way according to law or tradition, or according to rules that have been agreed on by experts or people who have the power to make decisions.
The family will need a formal document to prove that they own the house.A teacher cannot move a student to another class; parents have to make a formal request to the principal.The old man knew a lot, but he wished that he had gone to school and gotten a formal education.- synonyms:
- correct, official, proper
- similar words:
- legal, regular, routine, standard, stiff, strict
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| related words: |
distant |
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| part of speech: |
noun |
| definition: |
A formal is a dance or other event to which formal clothing is worn.
Nina's older sister is excited to go to her first winter formal in her fancy dress with all her friends. |
| related words: |
dance, function |
| derivations: |
formally (adv.), formality (n.) |
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