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English Words Starting With F

5,868 entries — pick a word to see its definition, pronunciation, and usage.

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Noun Verb Adjective Adverb Plural noun Combining form Verb (transitive)Verb (intransitive)Verb (ambitransitive)

form word
nounA1 (Extremely High)
/fɔːm/The visible shape, configuration, or arrangement of something; a particular way in which a thing exists or appears.
formability
nounLow
/ˌfɔː.məˈbɪl.ə.ti/The quality or degree of being able to be shaped, moulded, or formed without breaking.
formal
adjectiveadverbnounHigh
/ˈfɔːm(ə)l/Relating to or following established, official, or ceremonial procedures, conventions, or standards; characterized by prescribed structure, politeness, and an absence of casualness.
formal cause
nounVery Low
/ˈfɔːm(ə)l ˈkɔːz/In Aristotelian philosophy, the form, pattern, or essential nature that determines what a thing is, as distinct from its material.
formal equivalence
nounC1/C2
/ˈfɔːməl ɪˈkwɪvələns/A translation principle aiming to reproduce the form and structure of the source text as closely as possible in the target language, prioritizing literal correspondence over naturalness.
formal language
nounC1
/ˌfɔː.məl ˈlæŋ.ɡwɪdʒ/A precise, technical system of communication with strict rules for syntax, semantics, and grammar, as defined in logic, computer science, and linguistics.
formal logic
nounC1
/ˌfɔː.məl ˈlɒdʒ.ɪk/The study of the structure and principles of valid reasoning and argument, using formal systems and symbolic notation to analyze deductive arguments independently of their specific content.
formal mode
nounLow
/ˈfɔːməl məʊd/A particular manner or style of operation, expression, or behaviour characterised by strict adherence to rules, conventions, or official structures.
formal system
nounLow-frequency academic/technical term
/ˈfɔːməl ˈsɪstəm/A precisely defined mathematical or logical framework consisting of a set of symbols, formation rules (syntax) for constructing formulas, axioms, and transformation rules (inference rules) for deriving new formulas (theorems).
formaldehyde
nounC1/C2
/fɔːˈmældɪhaɪd/A colourless, strong-smelling gas (HCHO) used in solution as a disinfectant and preservative, and in the manufacture of resins.
formalin
nounC2
/ˈfɔː.mə.lɪn/A solution of formaldehyde in water, used as a disinfectant and preservative, especially for biological specimens.
formalism
nounC1/C2
/ˈfɔː.mə.lɪ.zəm/Strict adherence to prescribed forms, rules, or structures, often at the expense of content, meaning, or intent.
formality
nounC1
/fɔːˈmæləti/Something that must be done because it is required by custom, law, or rule; strict observance of established rules or conventions.
formalize
verbverb-transitiveC1
/ˈfɔːməlaɪz/To make something official, established, or structured by giving it a definite form or procedure.
formalwear
nounC1
/ˈfɔːməlweə(r)/Clothing designed to be worn at formal events, such as weddings, galas, or official ceremonies.
forman
nounC1/C2
/ˈfɔːmən/A supervisor or leader of a group of workers, particularly in manual or industrial labor.
formant
nounLow
/ˈfɔːmənt/A characteristic frequency component in the acoustic structure of a speech sound, especially a vowel, that is determined by the resonance of the vocal tract.
format
nounverbverb-intransitive+1B2
/ˈfɔːmæt/The arrangement, layout, structure, or style in which something is presented, organized, or produced.
formate
nounC1
/ˈfɔː.meɪt/To use, design, or lay out something in a specified way, especially in computing (e.g., formatting a disk) or chemistry (a salt or ester of formic acid).
formation
nounB2
/fɔːˈmeɪ.ʃən/The action or process of forming or being formed; the way something is arranged or structured.

Showing 4061–4080 of 5868 words.