4 ADJ [ADJ n] Formal clothes are very smart clothes that are suitable for formal occasions. □ They wore ordinary ties instead of the more formal high collar and cravat. ● for|mal|ly ADV [ADV after v, ADV -ed] □ It was really too warm for her to dress so formally.
5 ADJ [ADJ n] Formal education or training is given officially, usually in a school, college, or university. □ Leroy didn't have any formal dance training. ● for|mal|ly ADV [ADV -ed] □ Mr Dawe was the ancient, formally trained head gardener.
6 → see also formality SYNONYMS formal ADJ 2
officiaclass="underline" An official announcement is expected in the next few days.
proper: The Supreme Court will ensure that the proper procedures have been followed.
correct: We were rather surprised by their sporting and correct behaviour.
for|mal|de|hyde /fɔː r mæ ldiha I d/ N‑UNCOUNT Formaldehyde is a strong-smelling gas, used especially to preserve parts of animals or plants for biological study.
for|mal|ise /fɔː r məla I z/ → see formalize
for|mal|ism /fɔː r məl I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Formalism is a style, especially in art, in which great attention is paid to the outward form or appearance rather than to the inner reality or significance of things. ● for|mal|ist ADJ [ADJ n] □ …art based on formalist principles.
for|mal|ity /fɔː r mæ l I ti/ (formalities )
1 N‑COUNT If you say that an action or procedure is just a formality , you mean that it is done only because it is normally done, and that it will not have any real effect on the situation. □ He would not go as far as confirming his appointment, but that appears to be a mere formality.
2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Formalities are formal actions or procedures that are carried out as part of a particular activity or event. □ They are whisked through the immigration and customs formalities in a matter of minutes.
3 → see also formal
for|mal|ize /fɔː r məla I z/ (formalizes , formalizing , formalized ) in BRIT, also use formalise VERB If you formalize a plan, idea, arrangement, or system, you make it formal and official. □ [V n] A recent treaty signed by Russia, Canada and Japan formalized an agreement to work together to stop the pirates.
for|mat /fɔː r mæt/ (formats , formatting , formatted )
1 N‑COUNT The format of something is the way or order in which it is arranged and presented. □ [+ of ] I had met with him to explain the format of the programme and what we had in mind. □ …a large-format book.
2 N‑COUNT The format of a piece of computer software or a musical recording is the type of equipment on which it is designed to be used or played. For example, possible formats for a musical recording are CD and cassette. □ His latest album is available on all formats.
3 VERB To format a computer disk means to run a program so that the disk can be written on. [COMPUTING ]
4 VERB To format a piece of computer text or graphics means to arrange the way in which it appears when it is printed or is displayed on a screen. [COMPUTING ] □ [be V -ed] The saved text was often badly formatted with many short lines.
for|ma|tion /fɔː r me I ʃ ə n/ (formations )
1 N‑UNCOUNT The formation of something is the starting or creation of it. □ [+ of ] …the formation of a new government.
2 N‑UNCOUNT The formation of an idea, habit, relationship, or character is the process of developing and establishing it. □ [+ of ] My profession had an important influence in the formation of my character and temperament.
3 N‑COUNT [usu in N ] If people or things are in formation , they are arranged in a particular pattern as they move. □ He was flying in formation with seven other jets.
4 N‑COUNT [n N ] A rock or cloud formation is rock or cloud of a particular shape or structure. □ …a vast rock formation shaped like a pillar. □ Enormous cloud formations formed a purple mass.
forma|tive /fɔː r mət I v/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A formative period of time or experience is one that has an important and lasting influence on a person's character and attitudes. □ She was born in Barbados but spent her formative years in east London.
for|mer ◆◆◆ /fɔː r mə r /
1 ADJ [ADJ n] Former is used to describe someone who used to have a particular job, position, or role, but no longer has it. □ …former President Richard Nixon. □ He pleaded not guilty to murdering his former wife.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] Former is used to refer to countries which no longer exist or whose boundaries have changed. □ …the former Soviet Union. □ …the former Yugoslavia.
3 ADJ [ADJ n] Former is used to describe something which used to belong to someone or which used to be a particular thing. □ …the former home of Sir Christopher Wren. □ …a former monastery.
4 ADJ [ADJ n] Former is used to describe a situation or period of time which came before the present one. [FORMAL ] □ He would want you to remember him as he was in former years.
5 PRON When two people, things, or groups have just been mentioned, you can refer to the first of them as the former . □ If there is a choice between using fresh vegetables and canned foods, always choose the former. COLLOCATIONS former ADJ 1