Formalise Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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formalise
[ˈfɔːrməˌlaɪz ]
Definitions
make official
To formalise something means to give it a formal status or to establish it in an official way. This often involves creating official documents or declarations. It is frequently used in legal, academic, and governmental contexts.
Synonyms
establish, officialize, standardize, systematize.
Examples of usage
- The committee decided to formalise the agreement.
- We need to formalise the proposal before submission.
- They will formalise their relationship with a wedding.
- The school aims to formalise its partnership with local businesses.
make precise
In another usage, to formalise can mean to make something more precise or structured. This is often used in the context of scientific or mathematical processes, where clarity and precision are required.
Synonyms
clarify, define, organize, systematize.
Examples of usage
- He worked to formalise the theory to ensure accuracy.
- She needed to formalise her ideas into a structured plan.
- The researchers sought to formalise their findings for publication.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Practical Applications
- In business, to formalise can mean to create a contract or agreement that outlines responsibilities.
- In education, formalising can involve setting rules for classroom behavior or procedures for submitting assignments.
- Governments often formalise new laws to ensure they're recognized and enforceable by all citizens.
Psychology
- Research suggests that when thoughts are formalised, such as writing them down, it can aid memory retention.
- Formalising decisions can reduce uncertainty and lead to greater confidence in choices made.
- In group dynamics, formalising roles can enhance cooperation and reduce conflicts among team members.
Literature
- Many authors use formalised structures, like sonnets or essays, to convey their themes more effectively.
- Formalising narrative styles can help convey complex ideas clearly, making them more relatable to readers.
- In poetry, formalisation of meter and rhyme gives a distinct musical quality to the verses.
Education
- Educational systems often formalise curriculums to ensure consistency in teaching and learning outcomes.
- Formalising assessments helps measure student performance reliably across different schools.
- Teachers formalise classroom rules to create a structured environment that enhances learning.
Origin of 'formalise'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'formalise' comes from the word 'formal', which means following specific rules or manners.
- It first appeared in English around the early 19th century, influenced by the French word 'formaliser'.
- The spelling 'formalize' is more common in American English, while 'formalise' is typical in British English.
The word 'formalise' originates from the late 19th century, derived from the term 'formal,' which itself comes from the Latin 'formalis,' meaning 'pertaining to form.' The suffix '-ise' is used to form a verb that indicates making or becoming. The transition in usage reflects a growing emphasis on the importance of formal structures and official recognition in various domains such as law, education, and business practices. The British English variant employs 'formalis' with an 's,' while American English often uses 'formalize' with a 'z.' Over time, the term has gained traction across different fields, including academia and governance, signifying a wider acceptance of formal processes in managing agreements and procedures.