Etymologically
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formal

Etymology and origin of the English word formal

History Permalink
Confidence
Established
Formation
Borrowing
First attested
c. 1386
Borrowed from
Old French formel via Middle English
Ultimate origin
Latin (formalis)

Pronunciation

  • IPA: UK /ˈfɔː.məl/, US /ˈfɔːr.məl/[1]

Etymology

It is inherited from Middle English formal, formel, borrowed from Old French formal, formel and directly from Latin fōrmālis,[2][3][4] from fōrma “form, figure, shape”.[2][3] It is related to form and formality.[2][3]

Earliest recorded meaning

In philosophy, relating to the form or essence of a thing: about 1386 in the OED, about 1390 in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales in Barnhart.[5][3] Etymonline also has “relating to form or arrangement” from the late 14th century.[2]

Semantic evolution

In due or proper form, according to recognized rules, is from the early 15th century.[2] Relating to outward form or appearance is from 1639,[5] and to customary form or convention from 1712.[5] In logic, concerned with the form rather than the matter of reasoning, it is from about 1856.[5] As a noun, things that are formal, it is from 1605,[4][3] a formal dance from 1906 among American college students,[2] and formal dress from 1941.[3] Formality is from 1531.[3]

Timeline

  • c. 1386 – relating to essential form.[5]
  • early 15th century – in proper form.[2]
  • 1605 – noun.[4]
  • 1712 – conventional.[5]
  • 1906 – a formal dance.[2]

Modern meaning

Adjective

  1. Following the accepted rules of behaviour or ceremony: a formal dinner.
  2. Official: a formal agreement.
  3. Of language, suitable for serious or official use rather than conversation.
  4. Relating to outward form or structure.
  5. Arranged in a regular, orderly pattern: a formal garden.

Noun

  1. A dance or party at which formal dress is worn.
  2. An evening gown.

Word family

  • formally
  • formalness
  • formalise
  • formalism
  • formality
  • formalize
  • formalwear
  • nonformal

References

  1. ^ Jones, Daniel (2011), Cambridge English Pronouncing Dictionary, 18th ed., ed. Peter Roach, Jane Setter and John Esling, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com
  3. ^ a b c d e f g Barnhart, Robert K. (1988), The Barnhart Dictionary of Etymology
  4. ^ a b c Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary (2024), online ed., Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster
  5. ^ a b c d e f Simpson, J. A.; Weiner, E. S. C., eds. (1989), The Oxford English Dictionary, 2nd ed., Oxford: Clarendon Press

Related etymologies

Cite this entry

“Formal.” Etymologically, 16 Oct. 2026, etymologically.com/en/formal. Accessed 16 Oct. 2026.

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