Etymologically
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formal

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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