FORMAL


Meaning of FORMAL in English

transcription, транскрипция: [ fɔ:(r)m(ə)l ]

( formals)

Frequency: The word is one of the 1500 most common words in English.

1.

Formal speech or behaviour is very correct and serious rather than relaxed and friendly, and is used especially in official situations.

He wrote a very formal letter of apology to Douglas...

Business relationships are necessarily a bit more formal.

≠ informal

ADJ

• for‧mal‧ly

He took her back to Vincent Square in a taxi, saying goodnight formally on the doorstep.

ADV : ADV with v

• for‧mal‧ity

Lillith’s formality and seriousness amused him.

N-UNCOUNT

2.

A formal action, statement, or request is an official one.

UN officials said a formal request was passed to American authorities...

No formal announcement had been made.

≠ informal

ADJ : ADJ n

• for‧mal‧ly

Diplomats haven’t formally agreed to Anderson’s plan...

ADV : ADV with v

3.

Formal occasions are special occasions at which people wear smart clothes and behave according to a set of accepted rules.

One evening the film company arranged a formal dinner after the play.

≠ informal

ADJ : usu ADJ n

Formal is also a noun.

...a wide array of events, including school formals and speech nights, weddings, and balls.

N-COUNT

4.

Formal clothes are very smart clothes that are suitable for formal occasions.

They wore ordinary ties instead of the more formal high collar and cravat.

≠ informal, casual

ADJ : ADJ n

• for‧mal‧ly

It was really too warm for her to dress so formally.

ADV : ADV after v , ADV -ed

5.

Formal education or training is given officially, usually in a school, college, or university.

Leroy didn’t have any formal dance training.

ADJ : ADJ n

• for‧mal‧ly

Mr Dawe was the ancient, formally trained head gardener.

ADV : ADV -ed

6.

see also formality

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner's English Dictionary.      Английский словарь Коллинз COBUILD для изучающих язык на продвинутом уровне.