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Spell Bee Word: Formal


What does formal mean?

Word: Formal

Part of Speech: Adjective

Meaning: Formal means serious and correct, following proper rules of dress, manners or language rather than being relaxed. It can also mean official.

Synonyms: official, proper, ceremonial

Antonyms: relaxed

How do you spell formal?

Syllables: for - mal

Tricky part: The last vowel is said weakly, so children write formel or formle. The word ends in al.

Watch out for: formel, formle, formall

Memory tip: Formal, normal and animal all end in al.

Formal in a sentence

Example 1: Write a formal letter to the principal asking for a day's leave.

Example 2: Papa wore a formal suit to the award ceremony.

Example 3: The two countries signed a formal agreement on trade.

Fun Fact

A formal letter in British and Indian English that begins 'Dear Sir or Madam' traditionally ends with 'Yours faithfully', while one to a named person ends with 'Yours sincerely'.

Practise the CREST Way

Word Makeup

Choose the correct prefix to make a new word:

formal

a) in
b) im
c) dis
d) un

Show answer

a) in. Put in before formal to get informal; formal never takes un.

Word Connection

Choose the antonym of the word:

formal

a) solemn
b) polite
c) grand
d) casual

Show answer

d) casual. Casual means relaxed and everyday, the opposite of formal.

Word Cookie

Find the extra letter in the word:

fourmal

a) m
b) u
c) r
d) o

Show answer

b) u. The first part is spelt for, as in a gift for Mum, not four.

Mingle-Mangle

Form a meaningful word from the jumbled letters:

lmfoar

a) formal
b) female
c) farmer
d) floral

Show answer

a) formal. Farmer needs an e and a second r, floral a second l, and female two e's.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Which greeting is the most formal?

a) Hey there!
b) What's up?
c) Good morning, Madam.
d) Hi, how's it going?

Show answer

c) Good morning, Madam.

2. Which of these is usually written in formal language?

a) a chat message to a friend
b) a complaint to a bank manager
c) a note stuck on the fridge
d) a birthday text to a cousin

Show answer

b) a complaint to a bank manager

Associated Words

sultanadirectdistrustfulinfatuatedintimately
durationintegrityattainparenthesisrequirement

Next steps

How to participate in CREST International Spell Bee

The CREST International Spell Bee (CSB) is conducted in two editions – CREST International Spell Bee - Summer (CSB) and CREST International Spell Bee - Winter (CSBW) – giving students across the globe an opportunity to showcase and enhance their spelling proficiency. Designed for young learners from Senior KG to Class 8, the competition focuses on word-building, pronunciation, and vocabulary enrichment, helping students develop strong linguistic skills.

Steps to Participate:

Step 1: Visit the registration page and complete the registration with your desired subject.

Step 2: After Registration done, do login at www.crestolympiads.com/login.

Step 3: After login, go to dashboard and click on Book slot/Take Exam

Step 4: Schedule your exam date and preferred time.

Step 5: Log in with your credentials on the exam day at the scheduled time and take the exam.

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