I. ˈfȯr-məl adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin formalis, from forma
Date: 14th century
1.
a. : belonging to or constituting the form or essence of a thing
formal cause
b. : relating to or involving the outward form, structure, relationships, or arrangement of elements rather than content
formal logic
a formal style of painting
a formal approach to comparative linguistics
2.
a. : following or according with established form, custom, or rule
lacked formal schooling
a formal dinner party
formal attire
b. : done in due or lawful form
a formal contract
received formal recognition
3.
a. : characterized by punctilious respect for form : methodical
very formal in all his dealings
b. : rigidly ceremonious : prim
4. : having the appearance without the substance
formal Christians who go to church only at Easter
Synonyms: see ceremonial
• for·mal·ly -mə-lē adverb
• for·mal·ness noun
II. noun
Date: 1605
: something (as a dance or a dress) formal in character
III. adjective
Etymology: form ula + -al (I)
Date: circa 1934
: molar III