2 entries found for formal.
To select an entry, click on it. Entry Word: formal
Function: adjective
Text: 1 following or agreeing with established form, custom, or rules <a formal meeting of the school board> <a formal contract that was legally binding>
Synonyms ceremonial, ceremonious, conventional, orthodox, regular, routine
Related Words authorized, certified, official; accepted, correct, decorous, proper; formalistic, ritual, ritualistic; methodical, orderly, systematic
Near Antonyms unauthorized, unofficial; improper, incorrect, indecorous
Antonyms informal, irregular, unceremonious, unconventional, unorthodox
2 being something in name or form only <was the formal head of the charitable organization though he never attended a single meeting> -- see NOMINAL 1
3 marked by or showing careful attention to set forms and details <gave her a formal invitation to dinner> -- see CEREMONIOUS 1
4 relating to or suitable for wearing to an event requiring elegant dress and manners <dress code is formal tonight> <a shop that rents out formal wear> -- see DRESS
5 very dignified in form, tone, or style <the formal language of the coronation ceremony> -- see ELEVATED 2