Formalise: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• 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.

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.

Ranking #36,569, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

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