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Definition formal in British English

formal adjective

adjective
/ˈfɔː(r)m(ə)l/
Example

The government is promising a formal investigation.

Example

They have offered me the job, but I don't yet have a formal contract.

Example

We intend to make a formal written complaint.

Synonyms and related words
Example

When we first met, he was a little stiff and formal.

Example

Business letters do not always have to be impersonal and formal.

Example

'Ameliorate' is a more formal way of saying 'improve'.

Synonyms and related words
2.1

a formal event or social occasion is an important or official one at which people wear special clothes

Example

The Queen will be the host at a formal dinner tonight.

Synonyms and related words
2.2

formal clothes are the special clothes that people wear at formal occasions, usually a black jacket and trousers for men and a long dress for women

Synonyms and related words
3

formal education or training is obtained from studying rather than from working at a job

Example

She's got a lot of experience but no formal qualifications.

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4

relating to the form or structure of something such as a piece of writing, art, or music

Example

the formal innovations in Mozart's music

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5

formal gardens have plants and paths arranged in a set of regular patterns

Synonyms and related words
Definition formal in British English