French word

formel

Pronunciation

IPA/fɔʁmɛl/

Meaning

  • adjectiveformal

Example

J'ai reçu une réponse formelle du directeur.

I received a formal reply from the director.

Illustration for formel (formal)

More examples

Pour la réunion, adoptez un ton formel.

For the meeting, adopt a formal tone.

Core concept

A message, event, or appearance shaped to follow an established form and carry official weight.

Common phrases

  • réponse formelle

    formal response

  • tenue formelle

    formal attire

  • invitation formelle

    formal invitation

Similar words

informel: Casual and familiar, without the constraints of formal conventions.
officiel: Officially issued, recognized, or approved by a public authority.
décontracté: Relaxed and at ease in dress or manner.
solennel: Grave and dignified, suited to an important ceremony or occasion.

Definition in French

Qui respecte les formes, les règles ou les usages établis et qui a un caractère officiel ou cérémoniel.

Word origin

Formel comes through Old French from Latin formalis, which is based on forma, meaning 'shape' or 'form'.

Usage tips

  • Formel agrees with the noun: formelle is the feminine singular form, while formels and formelles mark the plural.

Other meanings

  • categoricaladjective

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word