Yahoo: Spanish speakers in Philadelphia break traditional rules of formal and informal speech in signs around town Spanish speakers in Philadelphia break traditional rules of formal and informal speech in signs around town Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Spanish-language signs in Philadelphia contradict the grammar lessons most of us were taught. Daniel Guarin Buitrago, CC BY-ND ...

Understanding the Context

The meaning of FORMAL is following or according with established form, custom, or rule. How to use formal in a sentence. Synonym Discussion of Formal. FORMAL definition: being in accordance with the usual requirements, customs, etc.; conventional.

Key Insights

See examples of formal used in a sentence. Formal language is the language used esp. in writing in situations that are official and which is often more difficult than the language used in ordinary conversation. 1. of, according to, or following established or prescribed forms, conventions, etc: a formal document.

Final Thoughts

2. characterized by observation of conventional forms of ceremony, behaviour, dress, etc: a formal dinner. 4. (Clothing & Fashion) suitable for occasions organized according to conventional ceremony: formal dress. 5. Formal speech or behaviour is very correct and serious rather than relaxed and friendly, and is used especially in official situations.

He wrote a very formal letter of apology to Douglas. Business relationships are necessarily a bit more formal.