formulate

[fawr-myuh-leyt]

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.

formulate

/ ˈfɔːmjʊˌleɪt /

verb

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

2. to devise

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of formulate¹

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

Example Sentences

Houlihan settled on the burrito argument because she and her legal team had just seven days to formulate a defense, she says.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

He advises patients to formulate clear questions, provide all the relevant context about their conditions and request different possible diagnoses rather than a single answer.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Customers getting anti-wrinkle injections formulated by Evolus, a medical aesthetics company, are stretching out how frequently they get treatments and reducing the number of injection units they get.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

I learned that in performing the whole body of work, “Abi & Alan,” from beginning to end with no previous material, the people were just as excited and ready and formulated and there, present.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

It is also an important force in formulating a new model of womanhood: one that incorporates strong religious identity, a specific feminine aesthetic, and far-right ideas.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

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