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    Dendril Roots
      formal
      noun
      An event with a formal dress code.
      (clothing) An evening gown.
      (programming) A formal parameter.
      (uncountable) Formalin.
      An acetal formed from formaldehyde.
      (Oxbridge slang) Ellipsis of formal hall. [(Oxbridge) A formal meal held in a college hall, generally with a grace, waiting staff and a set menu with multiple courses; usually held once or twice per week.]
      adjective
      Official.
      Proper, according to strict etiquette; not casual.
      Ceremonial or traditional.
      In accordance with established forms.
      Relating to the form or structure of something.
      Organized; well-structured and planned.
      (especially sciences, mathematics, linguistics) In accordance with a methodological framework with well-defined rules or laws; rigorous.
      (mathematics, philosophy) Relating to mere manipulation and construction of strings of symbols, without regard to their meaning.
      Relating to formation.
      Roots
      formaform- · Latin · shape, form
      Synonyms for formal
      formalizedadjceremoniousadjformalityncourtlyadjconventionaladjformalisticadjstatelyadjceremonialadjformalistceremonynofficialadj
      Words related to formal
      semiformaladjinformaladjceremoniousnessnformallyadvformalizingvformalizesvformalizationnstatementingndressyadjunderdressvinformallyadvnonliteraryadjqueristinvitationsnproformaconversazioneschematizedvallegervpreliminaryadjballgowncasualadjelaboratevdressnunceremoniousadjgownninenarrableadjofficialismninitiatoryadjargumentum

      Synonyms & related words for formal

      Find synonyms, related words, and the definition of formal — including formalized, ceremonious, formality, courtly, conventional, formalistic. Dendril is a free visual thesaurus that shows them on an interactive map where stronger matches sit closer to the center — no signup, no ads.

      Words related to formal

      Explore words related to formal — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include semiformal, informal, ceremoniousness, formally, formalizing, formalizes, formalization, statementing. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

      Synonyms for formal

      Common synonyms for formal include formalized, ceremonious, formality, courtly, conventional, formalistic, stately, ceremonial — words that share a close meaning. Hover or tap any word on the map for its definition and part of speech.

      Where does formal come from?

      The word formal breaks down into one root of Latin origin: the root form-, from Latin forma (“shape, form”). Explore each root to see other English words built from the same source.

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