formulate

American  

[fawr-myuh-leyt] / ˈfɔr myəˌleɪt /

verb (used with object)

formulated, formulating

1. to express in precise form; state definitely or systematically.

   He finds it extremely difficult to formulate his new theory.

   Synonyms:

   specify, define, compose, frame, articulate

2. to devise or develop, as a method, system, etc.

3. to reduce to or express in a formula.

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formulate British  

/ ˈfɔːmjʊˌleɪt /

verb

1. to put into or express in systematic terms; express in or as if in a formula

2. to devise

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Other Word Forms

• formulable adjective
• formulation noun
• formulator noun
• nonformulation noun
• preformulate verb (used with object)
• preformulation noun
• unformulated adjective
• well-formulated adjective

Etymology

Origin of formulate

First recorded in 1855–60; formul(a) + -ate ¹

Example Sentences

Its house label’s products are formulated without artificial flavors and sweeteners, synthetic colors, or high-fructose corn syrup.

From Salon

On Tuesday, the county Board of Supervisors stepped in and directed staff to formulate a plan to speed up payments.

From Los Angeles Times

Before I could formulate a coherent thought, there was another explosion and the door to the Glitch room slammed shut.

From Literature

Senior state planners are formulating a five-year plan to lift domestic demand, acknowledging that the world’s second-largest economy currently faces an imbalance between “strong supply and weak demand.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Government officials are understood to be formulating potential plans to evacuate UK nationals, should airspace in the region remain closed.

From BBC

Related Words

• codify
• define
• develop
• devise
• draft
• draw up
• forge
• map
• prepare
• work out