formal

Definition

In accordance with established forms.

Etymology

From Middle English formel, borrowed from Old French formel, from Latin fōrmālis, from fōrma (“form”); equivalent to form + -al.

Example Sentences

• "She spoke formal English, without any dialect."
• "I'd like to make a formal complaint."
• "Despite efforts by limnologists and freshwater biologists to create a formal definition of “pond”, there is still no universal distinction between a “pond” and a “lake”."

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