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adjective · A2 · very often · UK/US

formal

formal

Meaning of formal

official style

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How important is this word
A2very often

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Pronunciation
British English/ˈfɔːməl/
American English/ˈfɔrməl/
Russian transcription[fɐrˈmalnɨj]
formal
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formal with Russian translation

formal usage examples

🇷🇺Russian🇬🇧English

На приёме в посольстве для гостей установлен формальный дресс-код.

At the embassy reception there is a formal dress code for guests.

🇷🇺Russian🇬🇧English

Во многих музеях просят соблюдать формальный тон на официальных церемониях.

Many museums request a formal tone during official ceremonies.

Learn by topic

formal belongs to the topic "Clothing and Footwear". Start with a short 7-word set so the word is easier to remember in context.

formalформальный
childребёнок
shirtрубашка
skirtюбка
pantsбрюки
trousersбрюки
jeansджинсы

formal synonyms

Related word breakdowns

What's the difference between formal / official / polite / ceremonial / conventional / proper

🇬🇧English

relates to authorities, formal documents or sanctioned actions by organizations or government

A2Very Often

The official statement was released by the ministry.

🇬🇧English

emphasizes courtesy, manners and considerate language or behaviour

A1Very Often

Please be polite when you answer the phone at work.

C
🇬🇧English
ceremonial

connected with rites, formal ceremonies or ritualised, often symbolic actions

B1Often

The mayor gave a ceremonial speech at the opening.

🇬🇧English

following accepted customs or standards; not experimental or unusual

B1Often

They chose a conventional approach to the ceremony.

🇬🇧English

stresses correctness, appropriateness or meeting required standards

A2Very Often

You should wear proper clothes to the banquet.

B
🇬🇧English
businesslike

practical, efficient and professional in manner, especially in work contexts

B1Often

Her businesslike manner helped the negotiations proceed quickly.

🇬🇧English

cautious about change; preferring traditional styles or ideas

B1Very Often

He has a conservative dress sense and rarely experiments with fashion.

🇬🇧English

formal in a way that seems awkward, rigid or lacking warmth

B1Often

His stiff manners made guests feel uncomfortable.

S
🇬🇧English
stilted

unnaturally formal or artificially inflated, often awkward in style

B2Rarely

The dialogue in the speech sounded stilted and unnatural.

🇬🇧English

quiet, restrained and not openly expressing emotions; maintains distance

B1Often

She was reserved at first but became friendlier over time.

What's the difference

Related words and lists for formal

How to pronounce formal and what this word means

formal means formal. This page includes translation, pronunciation, transcription, audio, usage examples and related words.

how to pronounce formal

/ˈfɔːməl/

formal translation

formal

formal examples

At the embassy reception there is a formal dress code for guests.

formal transcription

/ˈfɔːməl/, /ˈfɔrməl/

Questions about this word

formal meaning: what does it mean?

official style

formal pronunciation: how do you pronounce it?

formal is pronounced as /ˈfɔːməl/. Audio is available on this page when the word has a recording.

formal definition and sentence examples: how is it used in a sentence?

At the embassy reception there is a formal dress code for guests. Translation: На приёме в посольстве для гостей установлен формальный дресс-код.

Is formal part of Culture and Traditions of Countries vocabulary?

Yes, formal can be learned in the Culture and Traditions of Countries topic. This semantic link helps build related word lists and topic-based practice.

Is formal part of In the Office vocabulary?

Yes, formal can be learned in the In the Office topic. This semantic link helps build related word lists and topic-based practice.

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