How to Pronounce Formal

To pronounce "formal", say FORM-al — 2 syllables, IPA /ˈfɔːməl/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

formal

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Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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2

Syllables

6

Letters

/ˈfɔːməl/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “formal”

"formal" has 2 syllables: form-al. It rhymes with normal and informal, if that helps it stick.

What does formal mean?

noun

  1. Formalin.
  2. An evening gown.

adjective

  1. Being in accord with established forms.

    “She spoke formal English, without any dialect.”

  2. Official.

    “I'd like to make a formal complaint.”

Antonyms

informal

Hear “formal” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with formal

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

normalinformalabnormalparanormalmormalformylformolformell

Related words

conventionaltitularperfunctorylogicalceremoniousnominalceremonialofficial

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "formal"?▾

"Formal" has 2 syllables: form · al.

What is the IPA transcription of "formal"?▾

The IPA transcription of "formal" is /ˈfɔːməl/.

What does "formal" mean?▾

Formal: Formalin.

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