formal

Pronunciation

• (US) IPA ^(key): /ˈfɔrməl/
• (UK) IPA ^(key): /ˈfɔːməl/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

• Hyphenation: for‧mal

Adjective

Positive formal

Comparative more formal

Superlative most formal

Formal is on the Academic Vocabulary List.

1. If something is formal, it is official and/or public.
   • Antonyms: informal and casual

   He studied German on his own, but he has no formal language education.

2. Formal behaviour or dress is used in polite situations.

   Please wear suit and tie because the restaurant is quite formal.

Related words

• formally
• formality