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Formal vs Inform - What's the difference?

formal | inform |

As a noun formal

is an objective.

As a verb inform is

(archaic|transitive) to instruct, train (usually in matters of knowledge).

As an adjective inform is

without regular form; shapeless; ugly; deformed.

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 .

    inform

    English

    Etymology 1

    From (etyl) informen, enformen, from (etyl) enformer, .

    Alternative forms

    * (l) (obsolete)

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • (archaic) To instruct, train (usually in matters of knowledge).
  • To communicate knowledge to.
  • * Spenser
  • For he would learn their business secretly, / And then inform his master hastily.
  • * Shakespeare
  • I am informed thoroughly of the cause.
  • To impart information or knowledge.
  • To act as an informer; denounce.
  • To give form or character to; to inspire (with a given quality); to affect, influence (with a pervading principle, idea etc.).
  • * {{quote-magazine, date=2013-06-07, author=(Gary Younge)
  • , volume=188, issue=26, page=18, magazine=(The Guardian Weekly) , title= Hypocrisy lies at heart of Manning prosecution , passage=WikiLeaks did not cause these uprisings but it certainly informed them. The dispatches revealed details of corruption and kleptocracy that many Tunisians suspected, but could not prove, and would cite as they took to the streets.}}
  • * Dryden
  • Let others better mould the running mass / Of metals, and inform the breathing brass.
  • * Prior
  • Breath informs this fleeting frame.
  • (obsolete) To make known, wisely and/or knowledgeably.
  • (obsolete) To direct, guide.
  • (archaic) To take form; to become visible or manifest; to appear.
  • * Shakespeare
  • It is the bloody business which informs / Thus to mine eyes.
    Synonyms
    * acquaint, apprise, notify * (act as informer) dob, name names, peach, snitch
    Derived terms
    * informant * information * informative * informatory * informed * informer * misinform * uninformed

    Etymology 2

    (etyl) (lena) informis

    Adjective

    (-)
  • Without regular form; shapeless; ugly; deformed.
  • (Cotton)

    Anagrams

    *