formal meaning and definition

FORMAL noun

Definition of formal (noun)

1. a lavish dance requiring formal attire
   • synonyms: ball
2. a gown for evening wear
   • synonyms: dinner dress, dinner gown, evening gown

FORMAL adjective

Definition of formal (adjective)

1. being in accord with established forms and conventions and requirements (as e.g. of formal dress)
   • "pay one's formal respects"; "formal dress"; "a formal ball"; "the requirement was only formal and often ignored"; "a formal education"
   • antonym: informal
2. characteristic of or befitting a person in authority
   • "formal duties"; "an official banquet"
3. (of spoken and written language) adhering to traditional standards of correctness and without casual, contracted, and colloquial forms
   • "the paper was written in formal English"
   • antonym: informal
4. represented in simplified or symbolic form
   • synonyms: conventional, schematic
5. logically deductive
   • "formal proof"
6. refined or imposing in manner or appearance; befitting a royal court
   • "a courtly gentleman"
   • synonyms: courtly, stately