formal /ˈfɔ:məl/ adj. 1.正式的，正规的：receive no formal education 没有接受正规教育 He gave his formal consent. 他正式答应了。Written English resembles the formal language very closely. 书面英语就非常类似于正式语言了。2.形式上的，表面的：They maintained only formal, not real, unity among themselves. 他们之间维持着是一种表面的而不是实质性的团结。“It” is used as a formal subject. “It”被用作形式主语。3.拘束，礼仪上的：Why should we be formal? Let us be comfortable. 我们为什么要那么拘束呢?咱们放松吧!
formality /fɔ:ˈmæliti/ n. 1. [u]拘泥形式，遵守礼节；（行为，风格）拘谨，僵硬：There’s no time for formality in everyday life. 在日常生活中没有时间讲究礼节。She didn't like the formality of the party. 她不喜欢宴会拘泥的礼节。2. [c] 礼节；正式手续：legal formalities法律手续Promotion looks a formality.晋升看上去是必须履行的手续。We’ll have to observe the formalities.我们得按手续办事。
