late 14c., "pertaining to form or arrangement;" also, in philosophy and theology, "pertaining to the form or essence of a thing," from Old French formal, formel "formal, constituent" (13c.) and directly from Latin formalis, from forma "a form, figure, shape" (see form (n.)). From early 15c. as "in due or proper form, according to recognized form," As a noun, c. 1600 (plural) "things that are formal;" as a short way to say formal dance, recorded by 1906 among U.S. college students.
雙語例句
1. A formal contract is signed which is renewable annually.
正式簽訂了每年可續簽的合同。
來自柯林斯例句
2. Despite its lack of formal power the nobility was not powerless.
盡管沒有正式的權力，貴族階層并非沒有權勢。
來自柯林斯例句
3. They decided to put their relationship on a more formal footing.
他們決定正式交往。
來自柯林斯例句
4. His wife made no secret of her hatred for the formal occasions.
他的妻子公開表示厭惡那些禮節性的場合。
來自柯林斯例句
5. There is no formal linkage between the two agreements.