formal

/ˈfɔːməl/ adjective

Definition

› stated or agreed in writing: a formal agreement/contract/offer They are required to make a binding formal offer and then publish an offer document within 28 days.

› done publicly or officially: a formal announcement/discussion/investigation The two companies began formal discussions to renegotiate the $2.8 billion power project.

› used to describe clothing that is suitable for important or official occasions: Please note that formal dress is not required at the dinner.

› used to describe education or training that is received in a school or college: Lacking formal education, he worked as a sharecropper and journeyman laborer to support his family.

› ECONOMICS used to describe businesses that are officially recognized, pay taxes, etc.: In Mexico small and medium-sized enterprises generate six out of ten jobs in the formal sector.

formally adverb › The bid for the company could be formally accepted early next week.

(Definition of formal adjective from the Cambridge Business English Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)