1. formal
adjective. ['ˈfɔrməl'] being in accord with established forms and conventions and requirements (as e.g. of formal dress).
Synonyms
- stiff
- dress
- prescribed
- semiformal
- form-only
- positive
- white-tie
- full-dress
- titular
- nominal
- perfunctory
- ceremonious
- pro forma
- formality
- formalness
- starchy
- conventional
- black-tie
- buckram
- ceremonial
Antonyms
- informality
- informal
- ineffective
- impotent
Etymology
- formel (Middle English (1100-1500))
- formel (Old French (842-ca. 1400))
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Words that Rhyme with Formal
- paranormal
- abnormal
- normal
How do you pronounce formal?
Pronounce formal as ˈfɔrməl.
US - How to pronounce formal in American English
UK - How to pronounce formal in British English
Example sentences of the word formal
1. Adjective
The title should be her formal job title.
Quotes containing the word formal
1. Formal education will make you a living; self-education will make you a fortune.
- Jim Rohn
2. While formal schooling is an important advantage, it is not a guarantee of success nor is its absence a fatal handicap.
- Ray Kroc
3. When I teach the formal curriculum, I have the chance to think about it ahead of time. I can rehearse it. I can illustrate it with self-deprecating humor and humble-sounding personal disclosure. I can try to make it comes out just right.
- John Ortberg
2. semi-formal
adjective. moderately formal; requiring a dinner jacket.
Synonyms
- formal
- semiformal
Antonyms
- unconventional
- informality
- unrhetorical
3. formal
adjective. ['ˈfɔrməl'] characteristic of or befitting a person in authority.
Antonyms
- mobile
Etymology
- formel (Middle English (1100-1500))
- formel (Old French (842-ca. 1400))
4. formal
adjective. ['ˈfɔrməl'] (of spoken and written language) adhering to traditional standards of correctness and without casual, contracted, and colloquial forms.
Synonyms
- formality
- formalness
- rhetorical
Antonyms
- informality
- informal
- irresolute
- woman
Etymology
- formel (Middle English (1100-1500))
- formel (Old French (842-ca. 1400))
5. formal
noun. ['ˈfɔrməl'] a gown for evening wear.
Synonyms
- dinner gown
- evening clothes
- formalwear
- evening dress
- dinner dress
- evening gown
- gown
Antonyms
- stay
- dress up
- dress down
- uglify
Etymology
- formel (Middle English (1100-1500))
- formel (Old French (842-ca. 1400))
6. formal
noun. ['ˈfɔrməl'] a lavish dance requiring formal attire.
Synonyms
- cotilion
- masquerade ball
- prom
- fancy-dress ball
- promenade
- dance
- masked ball
- cotillion
Antonyms
- unsettled
- arbitrary
- irregular
- neutral
Etymology
- formel (Middle English (1100-1500))
- formel (Old French (842-ca. 1400))
7. formal
adjective. ['ˈfɔrməl'] refined or imposing in manner or appearance; befitting a royal court.
Synonyms
- dignified
- stately
Antonyms
- sober
- sterile
- powerless
Etymology
- formel (Middle English (1100-1500))
- formel (Old French (842-ca. 1400))
8. formal
adjective. ['ˈfɔrməl'] logically deductive.
Antonyms
- flexible
Etymology
- formel (Middle English (1100-1500))
- formel (Old French (842-ca. 1400))
9. formal
adjective. ['ˈfɔrməl'] represented in simplified or symbolic form.
Synonyms
- schematic
- conventional
Antonyms
- weak
- underdress
- undress
Etymology
- formel (Middle English (1100-1500))
- formel (Old French (842-ca. 1400))