formal
Proper, according to strict etiquette; not casual.
Word facts
Definition of Formal
In accordance with established forms.
Example sentences
Jenny took Sam to her Year 12 formal.
She spoke formal English, without any dialect.
Using Formal well
A closer look at how formal is used — meaning in plain English, how close synonyms differ, and examples at different levels.
Following official rules, serious in style, and suited to important or public occasions.
Use it for language, dress, events, or procedures that follow accepted conventions and a serious tone, as opposed to relaxed everyday ones. It signals correctness, structure, and often distance.
Writing and grammar guides, dress codes, business and legal settings, ceremonies, and official communications.
Do not confuse 'formal' with 'former'; 'former' means earlier or previous, while 'formal' means official or ceremonious.
- official
- Stresses authority and being sanctioned by an organisation; 'formal' is more about style and manner than authority.
- ceremonial
- Narrower; tied specifically to ceremonies and ritual, not everyday formal tone.
- proper
- Everyday word for socially correct behaviour; less about official structure and more about good manners.
- stiff
- Negative shading; suggests formality taken too far, so it feels cold or unnatural.
- informal
- Direct opposite; relaxed and not bound by strict convention.
- casual
- Everyday and easygoing in tone or dress, with no sense of ceremony.
- colloquial
- Specific to language; everyday spoken style as opposed to formal written English.
- Beginner We wore formal clothes to the wedding.
- In writing The letter used formal language, addressing the reader as 'Dear Sir or Madam.'
- Advanced Her tone shifted to something formal and clipped, a signal that the friendly part of the meeting was over.
'Formal' relates to 'form' and rules; formal situations follow a set form or proper structure.
Synonyms for Formal
Antonyms for Formal
Related words
Words closely connected to Formal in meaning or use:
Words that rhyme with Formal
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FAQ
Questions people ask
What does formal mean?
Proper, according to strict etiquette; not casual. It is an adjective.
How many syllables does formal have?
Formal breaks into 2 syllables — fawr·muhl — when you say it aloud.
What part of speech is formal?
Formal works as an adjective. As a noun, it names a thing, idea, or concept.
What are synonyms for formal?
You can often swap formal for solemn, perfunctory, positive, conventional, though each carries a slightly different shade of meaning.
How do you use formal in a sentence?
Example: "Jenny took Sam to her Year 12 formal."