(~s)
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 ~ letter of apology to Douglas...
Business relationships are necessarily a bit more ~.
? in~
ADJ
~ly
He took her back to Vincent Square in a taxi, saying goodnight ~ly on the doorstep.
ADV: ADV with v
~ity
Lillith’s ~ity and seriousness amused him.
N-UNCOUNT
2.
A ~ action, statement, or request is an official one.
UN officials said a ~ request was passed to American authorities...
No ~ announcement had been made.
? in~
ADJ: ADJ n
~ly
Diplomats haven’t ~ly 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 ~ dinner after the play.
? in~
ADJ: usu ADJ n
•
Formal is also a noun.
...a wide array of events, including school ~s and speech nights, weddings, and balls.
N-COUNT
4.
Formal clothes are very smart clothes that are suitable for ~ occasions.
They wore ordinary ties instead of the more ~ high collar and cravat.
? in~, casual
ADJ: ADJ n
~ly
It was really too warm for her to dress so ~ly.
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 ~ dance training.
ADJ: ADJ n
~ly
Mr Dawe was the ancient, ~ly trained head gardener.
ADV: ADV -ed
6.
see also ~ity