formalize

especially British, for·mal·ise

[fawr-muh-lahyz]

verb (used with object)

formalized, formalizing 

1. to make formal, especially 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.

formalize

/ ˈfɔːməˌlaɪz /

verb

1. to be or make formal

2. (tr) to make official or valid

3. (tr) to give a definite shape or form to

4. logic to extract the logical form of (an expression), to express in the symbols of some formal system

Other Word Forms

• formalization noun
• formalizer noun
• overformalize verb
• unformalized adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of formalize¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; formal ¹ + -ize

Example Sentences

McOsker said he also believes the project needs a conditional use permit, which would require public hearings and a more formalized process.

From Los Angeles Times

What was initially a lighthearted challenge has become a physically taxing sport, formalized by Major League Eating and extensive media attention.

From Los Angeles Times

Without necessarily formalizing the terms, families regularly work out a spectrum of options and boundaries around how much contact to have with each other.

From Salon

However, nobody showed up in court that May for the hearing to formalize or extend it, so it was dropped.

From Los Angeles Times

The rules, once formalized, will apply to new construction first; existing properties will have to be retrofitted within a few years.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• characterize 
• construe 
• decide 
• delineate 
• describe 
• designate 
• detail 
• determine 
• exemplify 
• explain 
• illustrate 
• interpret 
• prescribe 
• represent 
• specify 
• spell out