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formalize

 - 2 dictionary results

for⋅mal⋅ize

  [fawr-muh-lahyz]
Use formalize in a Sentence
–verb (used with object), -ized, -iz⋅ing.
1. to make formal, esp. for the sake of official or authorized acceptance: to formalize an understanding by drawing up a legal contract.
2. to give a definite form or shape to.
3. to state or restate (the rules or implied rules of a grammar or the like) in symbolic form.
Also, especially British, for⋅mal⋅ise.

Origin:
1590–1600; formal 1 + -ize

Related forms:
for⋅mal⋅i⋅za⋅tion, noun
for⋅mal⋅iz⋅er, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To formalize
for·mal·ize   (fôr'mə-līz')   
tr.v.   for·mal·ized, for·mal·iz·ing, for·mal·iz·es

  1. To give a definite form or shape to.

    1. To make formal.

    2. To give formal standing or endorsement to; make official or legitimate by the observance of proper procedure.

for'mal·iz'a·ble adj., for'mal·i·za'tion (-mə-lĭ-zā'shən) n., for'mal·iz'er n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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