formal

 
Pronunciation: /ˈfɔːm(ə)l/

adjective

  • 1done in accordance with convention or etiquette; suitable for or constituting an official or important occasion: a formal dinner party
  • (of a person or their manner) strictly conventional: he is formal in manner and clothing
  • having a conventionally recognized form, structure, or set of rules: he had little formal education
  • of or denoting a style of writing or public speaking characterized by more elaborate grammatical structures and more conservative and technical vocabulary.
  • 2officially sanctioned or recognized: a formal complaint
  • 3of or concerned with outward form or appearance as distinct from content: I don’t know enough about art to appreciate the purely formal qualities
  • having the form or appearance without the spirit: the committee stage would be purely formal
  • relating to linguistic or logical form as opposed to function or meaning.

noun

North American
  • an evening dress: cocktail parties every night so the ladies can show off their formals
  • an occasion on which evening dress is worn: the college will be hosting their annual formal on February 6

Origin:

late Middle English: from Latin formalis, from forma 'shape, mould' (see form)