formal

Definition

  • noun: a social gathering (such as a dance) that requires formal dress and manners
  • noun: something (as a dance or a dress) formal in character
  • adjective: requiring or using serious and proper clothes and manners
  • adjective: belonging to or constituting the form or essence of a thing
  • synonyms: high-church, latinate, accepted

Examples

  • They seem to be interested in buying the house, but they haven't yet made a 'formal' offer.

  • His 'formal' education ended when he dropped out of high school.

  • They behave very 'formally' with people they don't know well.

Movie clips

Movie quotes

  • (..) Who cares? Who cares? Sequins are tacky. Who cares? A Nehru jacket. Barbie! Not the Nehru. This is from what, ? The groovy formal collection, yes! -What a shame. -Oh, no, no, no! No! There's an instruction manual! Lotso switched Buzz to Demo mode! Where's that manual? (..)
    2010 Toy Story 3
  • (..) - Footsteps. It's a young woman... ... to years old... ...'", '", brunette. And she is wearing high heels. Perhaps a bit too formal for the afternoon. And she has on... ...Chanel N'. - Is anyone with you? - No. (..)
    2006 The Pink Panther
  • (..) Did you report Private Bell to your superiors? I remember thinking very highly of Private Bell-- not wanting to see his record tarnished by a formal charge. You preferred it be handled within the unit? Yes, I most certainly did. - Do you know what a Code Red is? - Yes, I do. (..)
    1992 A Few Good Men