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Colloquial vs Formal - What's the difference?

colloquial | formal |

As adjectives the difference between colloquial and formal

is that colloquial is denoting a manner of speaking or writing that is characteristic of familiar conversation; informal while formal is being in accord with established forms.

As a noun formal is

formalin.

colloquial

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • (linguistics) Denoting a manner of speaking or writing that is characteristic of familiar conversation; informal.
  • Of or pertaining to a conversation; conversational or chatty.
  • Usage notes

    Note that while colloquy and colloquium refer to formal'' conversation, colloquial refers instead specifically to ''informal conversation.

    Synonyms

    *

    Derived terms

    * colloquialism * colloquially * colloquialness * colloquiality

    formal

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Being in accord with established forms.
  • :
  • Official.
  • :
  • Relating to the form or structure of something.
  • :
  • *
  • Relating to formation.
  • :
  • Ceremonial.
  • :(rfquote-sense)
  • Proper, according to strict etiquette; not casual.
  • :
  • Organized; well-structured and planned.
  • :
  • (mathematics) Relating to mere manipulation and construction of strings of symbols, without regard to their meaning.
  • :
  • Antonyms

    * informal

    Derived terms

    * formal cause * formalize * formalist * formalism * formality

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • Formalin.
  • An evening gown.
  • An event with a formal dress code.
  • Jenny took Sam to her Year 12 formal .