Formation: meaning, definitions and examples

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formation

 

[ fɔrˈmeɪʃən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

process of creating something

Formation refers to the process of creating or developing something, such as an organization, a structure, or a concept. It involves the coming together of different elements to create a cohesive whole.

Synonyms

creation, development, establishment.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
formation

Formation is often used to describe the process of shaping, arranging, or organizing something, usually in a physical or structural manner.

  • The formation of clouds in the sky was fascinating
  • The dancers moved into formation
creation

Creation commonly refers to the act of bringing something into existence, often with a sense of originality or artistic endeavor.

  • The artist's creation was displayed in the gallery
  • The creation of a new product took several months
development

Development generally describes a process of growth, progress, or advancement over time, often involving improvement or evolution.

  • The development of the town was rapid after the new factory opened
  • Her personal development was evident through the years
establishment

Establishment is typically used to signify the founding or setting up of something, such as an institution, organization, or system.

  • The establishment of the new school was a significant event for the community
  • They worked hard for the establishment of fair trade practices

Examples of usage

  • The formation of a new political party was announced today.
  • The formation of the Earth took billions of years.
Context #2 | Noun

arrangement or configuration

Formation can also refer to the arrangement or configuration of something. It describes the way in which different components are positioned or organized relative to each other.

Synonyms

arrangement, configuration, structure.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
formation

Used when referring to the act of forming something new or when describing something that has been created by a process.

  • The formation of the mountains took millions of years.
  • The company announced the formation of a new department.
arrangement

Used for the organization or positioning of objects, people, or events in a specific way, often with an emphasis on planning or order.

  • The flower arrangement was beautiful.
  • They made all the arrangements for the wedding.
configuration

Used to describe the specific arrangement and setup of parts or elements within a system, often technical or complex in nature.

  • The network configuration needs to be updated.
  • He changed the configuration of the software for better performance.
structure

Used when referring to something that has been constructed or organized in a specific way, often with an emphasis on stability and framework.

  • The structure of the building was very strong.
  • They analyzed the structure of the organization to improve efficiency.

Examples of usage

  • The troops marched in formation.
  • The rock formation was an impressive sight.
Context #3 | Noun

education or training

In the context of education or training, formation can refer to the shaping or molding of individuals. It involves the process of teaching and guiding individuals to acquire knowledge and skills.

Synonyms

development, education, training.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
formation

Can also be used to describe the arrangement of something in a specific shape or pattern.

  • The dancers moved into a circular formation.
  • Clouds gathered in an interesting formation before it started raining.
education

Refers to the process of teaching, learning, or acquiring knowledge, often in a formal setting like a school or university.

  • Education is a fundamental right for every child.
  • He pursued higher education to advance his career.
training

Used when discussing the process of learning specific skills or behaviors, often with a practical application.

  • The new employees are undergoing training this week.
  • Athletes go through rigorous training to prepare for competitions.
development

Used when referring to the process of growth, progress, or evolution of something over time.

  • The city has seen significant development over the past decade.
  • Personal development is important for achieving long-term goals.

Examples of usage

  • The school provides a strong moral formation for its students.
  • Professional formation is an important aspect of career development.

Translations

Translations of the word "formation" in other languages:

🇵🇹 formação

🇮🇳 गठन

🇩🇪 Bildung

🇮🇩 pembentukan

🇺🇦 формування

🇵🇱 formacja

🇯🇵 形成 (けいせい)

🇫🇷 formation

🇪🇸 formación

🇹🇷 oluşum

🇰🇷 형성 (형성)

🇸🇦 تشكيل

🇨🇿 formace

🇸🇰 formácia

🇨🇳 形成 (xíngchéng)

🇸🇮 formacija

🇮🇸 myndun

🇰🇿 қалыптасу

🇬🇪 ფორმირება

🇦🇿 formalaşma

🇲🇽 formación

Etymology

The word 'formation' originated from the Latin word 'formatio', which means 'a shaping'. It entered the English language in the 14th century, initially used in the context of physical structure or arrangement. Over time, its usage expanded to include various fields such as geology, military, and education.

See also: amorphic, conform, deform, deformed, form, formal, formality, formally, formative, formatter, formed, former, formerly, formic, forming, formless, forms, malform, malformation, multiformity, preformative, reform, unformed.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,077, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.