Formal (Adjective)
Meaning 1
Refined or imposing in manner or appearance; befitting a royal court; "a courtly gentleman".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Synonyms
Related Words
Meaning 2
Characteristic of or befitting a person in authority; "formal duties"; "an official banquet".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The mayor's formal demeanor commanded respect from the crowd.
- The formal tone of the letter made it clear that it was an official document.
- As the CEO, she had many formal responsibilities that required her attention.
- The formal attire of the guests was a testament to the occasion's importance.
- The formal apology from the company was seen as a step in the right direction.
Related Words
Meaning 3
Represented in simplified or symbolic form.
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Synonyms
Meaning 5
Being in accord with established forms and conventions and requirements (as e.g. of formal dress); "pay one's formal respects"; "formal dress"; "a formal ball"; "the requirement was only formal and often ignored"; "a formal education".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The ambassador's formal apology was broadcast on national television.
- The university requires a formal application process for admission.
- The formal dinner was attended by dignitaries and guests dressed in formal attire.
- The company's formal name is listed on the stock exchange.
- The bride wore a stunning formal gown to her wedding ceremony.
Antonyms
Related Words
Meaning 6
(of spoken and written language) adhering to traditional standards of correctness and without casual, contracted, and colloquial forms; "the paper was written in formal English".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The lecture was given in a formal tone that commanded attention from the audience.
- She spoke in formal language during the business conference, avoiding any colloquialisms.
- The official letter was written in formal prose, free of contractions and slang.
- The formal vocabulary used in the poem made it difficult for casual readers to understand.
- In academic writing, students are often required to use formal expressions and avoid colloquial speech.