formal

formal [fôr′məl]

adj.

[ME < L formalis < forma, FORM]

1. of external form or structure, rather than nature or content

2. of the internal form; relating to the intrinsic or essential character or nature

3. of or according to prescribed or fixed customs, rules, ceremonies, etc. [a formal wedding]

4.

a) having the appearance of being suitable, correct, etc., but not really so

b) stiff in manner; not warm or relaxed

5.

a) designed for use or wear at ceremonies, elaborate parties, etc. [formal dress]

b) requiring clothes of this kind [a formal dance]

6. done or made in orderly, regular fashion; methodical

7. very regular or orderly in arrangement, pattern, etc.; rigidly symmetrical [a formal garden]

8. done or made according to the forms that make explicit, definite, valid, etc. [a formal contract]

9. designating education in schools, colleges, etc.

10. designating or of the level of language usage characterized by expanded vocabulary, complete syntactic constructions, complex sentences, etc.: distinguished from COLLOQUIAL or INFORMAL

n.

1. a formal dance or ball

2. a woman's evening dress

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go formal

Informal to go dressed in evening clothes