formal

/ˈfȯr-məl/

Middle English, from Latin formalis, from forma

adjective

  1. belonging to or constituting the form or essence of a thing

  2. relating to or involving the outward form, structure, relationships, or arrangement of elements rather than content

  3. following or according with established form, custom, or rule

formal cause

formal logic

ceremonial ceremonious formal conventional mean marked by attention to or adhering strictly to prescribed forms. ceremonial and ceremonious both imply strict attention to what is prescribed by custom or by ritual, but ceremonial applies to things that are associated with ceremonies , ceremonious to persons given to ceremony or to acts attended by ceremony.

noun

  1. something (such as a dance or a dress) formal in character

adjective

  1. molar