The AI-powered English dictionary
comparative more formal, superlative most formal
Being in accord with established forms. examples
Official. examples
Relating to the form or structure of something. quotations examples
THE THREE DOMINANT FORMS IN METALSMITHING […] At present, there are but three basic volumetric forms dominating the work of metalsmiths, the spherical (usually in its most practical form, the domical), the cylindrical, and the cubical. […] The possibilities for further variations on them are all but exhausted, there being little chance to express new and unusual ideas within the framework of such limited choices. As a result, much of twentieth-century metalsmithing has relied on surface enrichment rather than formal development for its originality.
1978, Heikki Seppä, Form Emphasis for Metalsmiths, [Kent, Oh.]: Kent State University Press, page 1
Relating to formation. examples
Ceremonial or traditional. examples
Proper, according to strict etiquette; not casual. examples
Organized; well-structured and planned. examples
(mathematics) Relating to mere manipulation and construction of strings of symbols, without regard to their meaning. examples
countable and uncountable, plural formals
(clothing) An evening gown. quotations examples
Well, I open up the door / And much to my surprise / The girls were wearin' formals / And the boys were wearin' ties
1965, Shadow Morton (lyrics and music), “Sophisticated Boom Boom”, performed by The Shangri-Las
An event with a formal dress code. examples
(programming) A formal parameter. examples
(Oxbridge slang) Ellipsis of formal hall..
(uncountable) Formalin. examples
An acetal formed from formaldehyde. examples