Formal
/ˈfɔːr.məl/noun
Conforming to established convention, rules, or ceremony.
Did you know?Formal ultimately comes from Latin *forma* (“shape, form”), the same ancient root behind words tied to appearances, patterns, and even the idea of beauty as something *formed* rather than random.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*dʰer-
“to hold, support; possibly the source of Latin *forma* through an uncertain pre-Latin development”
Latin
Latin
forma
“shape, form, figure, beauty, pattern”
Late Latin
Latin
formalis
“pertaining to shape or form”
Old French
Old French
formel
“pertaining to form or method; ceremonial”
Middle English
English
formal
“pertaining to form, orderly, conventional”
Modern English
English
formal
“conforming to established convention, rules, or ceremony”