Formal

Podcast 1 · Introduction

Formal

A documentary-style narration: origin, meaning, and feel.

Part of speech

adjective and noun

Pronunciation

FOR-mul  /ˈfɔːm(ə)l/

Definition

As an adjective: done in accordance with rules, conventions, or ceremony; relating to the outward form or structure of something rather than its content; (of language, dress, or behaviour) following established conventions and expected in official or professional contexts. As a noun (informal): a formal social occasion, especially a dance.

Plain meaning

Formal means following the official rules and expected conventions — formal dress, formal language, formal proceedings. The opposite of casual or informal.

Register

Neutral and standard. Formal is itself used across both formal and informal registers — the meta-irony of a casual reference to formal behaviour is common in everyday speech.