I. ˈfȯrməl, -ȯ(ə)m- adjective
Etymology: Middle English formal, formel, from Old French & Latin; Old French, from Latin formalis, from forma form + -alis -al
1.
a. : belonging to or being the essential constitution of a thing as distinguished from the matter composing it
the formal nature of a square is a relation of lines and angles rather than a matter of space or solidity
often : having power to make a thing what it is : constitutive , essential
divine goodwill is the formal cause of human aspiration
b. : relating to, concerned with, or constituting the outward form, superficial qualities, or arrangement of something as distinguished from its content: as
(1) : of, relating to, or preoccupied with the material or compositional factors in art or emphasizing these over other factors (as subject matter or content)
a formal style in painting
often : having a symmetrical arrangement of elements
formal balance in design
a formal composition
(2) : consisting of, based upon, evidenced by, or considering observable similarities and differences in linguistic form as distinguished from logical, a priori, semantic, comparative, or historical similarities and differences
the formal approach to comparative linguistics
a formal classification of language
(3) : of, relating to, or constituting logical, epistemological, or ontological forms ; also : belonging to a formalized system : syntactical
2.
a. : following or according with established form, custom, or rule : not deviating from what is usual or generally acceptable : conventional
still in constraint your suffering sex remains or bound in formal or in real chains — Alexander Pope
paying formal attentions to his hostess
b. : done in due form : carried out with solemnity : ceremonial
no noble rite nor formal ostentation — Shakespeare
received a formal rebuke before the whole congregation
c. obsolete : characterized by or formed in due order : regular
3.
a. : based on forms and rules, especially such as are accepted by convention : of or following a prescribed form
a formal exposition
formal landscape architecture
a formal reception
b. : characterized by punctilious respect for form : exact , methodical , orderly
a man very formal in all his dealings
often : constrained by reason of excessive devotion to form : prim , rigid , stiff , ceremonious
those stern formal even formidable ancestors locked in their rigid armor of propriety
c. of a legal procedure : requiring special or stipulated solemnities or formalities to become effective (as in the creating of a legal relationship)
4. obsolete
a. : sound in mind : sane
b. : circumstantial
5. : having the appearance without the substance : being or subject to being so construed only as a matter of form
formal Christians who go to church on Easter Sunday to show off their new clothes
: nominal
a purely formal requirement that can be waived without trouble
a formal party to a suit
Synonyms: see ceremonial
II. noun
( -s )
: something formal in character: as
a. : a social affair (as a dance) requiring formal evening dress
b.
(1) : evening dress
(2) : a man's formal evening costume
III. fȯrˈmal noun
( -s )
Etymology: International Scientific Vocabulary, from formaldehyde
1. : methylal
2. : any acetal derived from formaldehyde and an alcohol
butyl formal
polyvinyl formal
IV. ˈfȯrməl adjective
Etymology: form ula + -al
: molar III 2
formal concentration of a solution