Inklingo
← Dictionary

formal

/for-MAHL/

formal

A simplified illustration of a person dressed in a black tuxedo and white shirt with a bow tie, representing formal attire.

This illustration shows a person in a tuxedo, representing the meaning of formal related to dress code or style.

formal(adjective)

m/fA2

formal

?

related to etiquette, dress code, or style

,

official

?

related to documents or procedures

Also:

proper

?

following correct standards

,

elegant

?

high-end style

📝 In Action

Para la boda, es obligatorio llevar ropa formal.

A2

For the wedding, it is mandatory to wear formal clothes.

Necesitas enviar una solicitud formal al departamento.

B1

You need to send an official application to the department.

La reunión fue muy formal, todos se trataron de usted.

B2

The meeting was very formal; everyone addressed each other using 'usted' (the polite form).

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • informal (informal)
  • casual (casual)

Common Collocations

  • vestido formal – formal dress
  • lenguaje formal – formal language

💡 Grammar Points

Adjective Agreement

Since 'formal' ends in 'l,' it only changes to match the number (singular or plural) of the noun it describes: 'un evento formal' (one formal event) and 'varios eventos formales' (several formal events).

⭐ Usage Tips

When to use 'Usted'

Using 'formal' often implies using the polite 'usted' form (instead of 'tú') when addressing people, which shows respect in professional or serious situations.

A storybook illustration of a person sitting upright at a desk, looking directly ahead with a serious, composed expression, illustrating a serious demeanor.

The composed and earnest expression of the person illustrates the meaning of formal as serious or of a serious demeanor.

formal(adjective)

m/fB1

serious

?

of character or demeanor

,

dependable

?

trustworthy

Also:

reliable

?

can be trusted to follow through

📝 In Action

Mi jefe es una persona muy formal, siempre cumple su palabra.

B1

My boss is a very dependable person; he always keeps his word.

Necesitamos un socio comercial que sea formal y comprometido.

B2

We need a business partner who is serious and committed.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • serio (serious)
  • responsable (responsible)
  • cumplidor (a person who fulfills their promises)

Antonyms

  • irresponsable (irresponsible)
  • frívolo (frivolous)

Common Collocations

  • persona formal – dependable person

⭐ Usage Tips

Describing Character

When 'formal' describes a person, it is a compliment! It means they are reliable, professional, and trustworthy, which is more important than just whether they wear a suit.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: formal

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'formal' to describe a person's character, meaning they are dependable?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

formalidad(formality (noun)) - noun
formalmente(formally (adverb)) - adverb
informal(informal (adjective)) - adjective

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'formal' only used for clothing?

No! While it often describes clothing or events (like a formal dinner), it is also used for language (formal vs. informal Spanish), documents (official letters), and character (meaning dependable or serious).

¿Cómo se dice 'formally'?

The adverb form is 'formalmente.' For example: 'Lo invité formalmente' (I formally invited him).