adjective
formal
Concerned with structure or logical rules rather than content.
Formal logic tests an argument's structure rather than its subject matter.
Etymology
The adjective derives from form, the structure or arrangement of something. This specialized sense examines that structure and its rules apart from the particular content placed within it.
More examples
- A formal proof must follow the system's rules of inference.
- Her formal analysis of the poem focuses on rhythm and structure.
- The software checks each step against the formal rules of the system.
Forms
formal · more formal · most formal
formally adverb — With respect to structure or logical rules.
formalize verb — To express using explicit rules or symbols.
Similar words
- structural
- Focuses on how parts are arranged, not necessarily logical rules.
- logical
- Emphasizes valid reasoning, not structure in every kind of system.