Formal describes something done according to official rules, traditions, or proper procedures, or something suitable for important, serious occasions.

When you attend a formal event like a wedding or awards ceremony, you dress up in special clothes and use your best manners. A formal dinner means using the right forks, sitting up straight, and speaking politely. Schools hold formal graduation ceremonies, where students wear caps and gowns and receive their diplomas in an orderly way.

Language can be formal too. When you write a formal letter or email, you use complete sentences, proper grammar, and respectful words like “Dear Sir or Madam” instead of “Hey!” A formal speech follows a careful structure and usually avoids slang or jokes. Teachers often ask students to use formal English in their essays, meaning no abbreviations and no casual phrases.

The opposite of formal is informal or casual. You might speak informally with your friends at lunch but need to speak formally when presenting to your class or meeting someone important. Understanding when to be formal and when you can relax shows good judgment. Being too formal with close friends might seem stiff and awkward, but being too casual in serious situations can seem disrespectful.