formal etymology

English word formal comes from Ancient Greek μόρφα, Ancient Greek μόρφη, Ancient Greek μορφή, and later Latin forma (A map. Appearance. Beauty. Shape; figure; form.)

Detailed word origin of formal

Dictionary entryLanguageDefinition
μόρφα Ancient Greek (grc)
μόρφη Ancient Greek (grc)
μορφή Ancient Greek (grc)
forma Latin (lat) A map. Appearance. Beauty. Shape; figure; form.
forme French (fra) Form. Shape (geometrical representation). Shape (physical appearance).
formalis Latin (lat) Formal. Serving as a model. Theoretical. Titular.
formel Old French (fro)
formel Middle English (enm)
formal English (eng) (programming) A formal parameter.. (uncountable) Formalin.. An evening gown.. An event with a formal dress code. (mathematics) Relating to mere manipulation and construction of strings of symbols, without regard to their meaning.. Being in accord with established forms.. Ceremonial or traditional.. Official.. Organized; well-structured and planned.. Proper, according to strict etiquette; not [...]

Words with the same origin as formal

Descendants of μόρφα
cheese cheeseburger cheesecake cheesy cottage form formality format formation former formula inform informal informant information informed transform uniform
Descendants of μορφή
transformation