formal

adjective

1)

a formal dinner

Syn:

ceremonial, ceremonious, ritualistic, ritual, conventional, traditional; stately, courtly, solemn, dignified; elaborate, ornate, dressy; black-tie

Ant:

informal

2)

a very formal manner

Syn:

aloof, reserved, remote, detached, unapproachable; stiff, prim, stuffy, staid, ceremonious, correct, proper, decorous, conventional, precise, exact, punctilious, unbending, inflexible, straitlaced; informal buttoned-down, standoffish

Ant:

informal, casual

3)

a formal garden

Syn:

symmetrical, regular, orderly, arranged, methodical, systematic

Ant:

informal

4)

formal permission

Syn:

official, legal, authorized, approved, validated, certified, endorsed, documented, sanctioned, licensed, recognized, authoritative

Ant:

informal, unofficial

5)

formal education

Syn:

conventional, mainstream; school, institutional

Ant:

informal

••

formal, ceremonial, ceremonious, pompous, proper, punctilious

Formal suggests a suit-and-tie approach to certain situations — reserved, conventional, obeying all the rules (an engraved invitation to a formal dinner requiring black tie or evening gown). Proper, in this regard, implies scrupulously correct behavior that observes rules of etiquette (the proper way to serve a guest; the proper spoon for dessert). Punctilious behavior observes all the proper formalities (a "punctilio" is a detail or fine point), but may verge on the annoying (her punctilious attention to the correct placement of silverware made setting the table an ordeal). Someone (usually a man) who likes to show off just how formal and proper he can be runs the risk of becoming the most dreaded dinner guest of all: the pompous ass. Pompous individuals may derive more than the normal amount of pleasure from participating in ceremonial acts or events, which are those performed according to set rules, but ceremonious suggests a less negative and more ritualized approach to formality (the Japanese woman could not have been more ceremonious than when she was carrying out the ceremonial serving of tea).