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formale
/forˈma.le/
formal
Indossa abiti formali per il colloquio.
Wear formal clothes for the interview.
formal
Conforming to established conventions or rules, often in a professional or official context.
Il linguaggio formale è richiesto in una lettera ufficiale.
Formal language is required in an official letter.
Used for attire, language, settings, or behaviors that follow strict social or institutional norms.
formal
Pertaining to the outward appearance or structure rather than the substance.
La cerimonia era solo formale, senza significato reale.
The ceremony was only formal, with no real meaning.
Often used to describe events or actions that lack genuine significance.
Collocations
abito formaleformal suitlinguaggio formaleformal languageoccasione formaleformal occasionvestito formaleformal dress
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Formal vs. Informal Contexts
In Italian, 'formale' is often paired with contexts requiring strict adherence to rules, such as job interviews, academic settings, or official documents. For example, 'linguaggio formale' (formal language) uses the polite 'Lei' pronoun and avoids contractions like 'non è' (instead of 'non e').
Gold Rule
When to Use 'Formale'
Use 'formale' when describing situations or behaviors that follow established norms, such as dress codes, language styles, or procedural steps. Avoid using it for casual or spontaneous contexts.
Word Origin
From Latin 'formalis', derived from 'forma' (shape, form), meaning 'relating to form'. Entered Italian via Latin in the 14th century, maintaining the sense of adherence to prescribed structure or appearance.
Usage Notes
In Italian, 'formale' is widely used in both social and professional contexts to describe adherence to rules or conventions. It can describe attire (e.g., 'abito formale'), language (e.g., 'tono formale'), or procedures (e.g., 'procedura formale'). The antonym 'informale' is commonly used in contrast.
Word Breakdown
form-
shape, form
root-ale
adjective-forming suffix
suffixDizionario Italiano-Inglese