formula
Pluralformulas, formulae, formulæ
- 1A set way of doing something that works well and can be repeated to get results.
Like a recipe you follow each time to get the same good result.
Their formula for a happy marriage is honesty and patience.
There is no single formula for success in business.
Similarrecipe, method, plan, approach, blueprint
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- 2A math rule written with signs and letters instead of words.
Like a short set of steps written in symbols that always gives the right answer.
We learned the formula for the area of a circle.
She used a formula to work out the total cost.
Similarequation, expression, rule
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- 3A set list of ingredients, and the mixture made by combining them in a fixed way.
Like a recipe that lists what to mix and how much of each.
The company keeps its cleaning formula a secret.
He tweaked the formula until the paint dried faster.
Similarrecipe, composition, blend, mixture
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- 4A way of writing what a chemical is made of, using letters and numbers.
Like a short code that tells you which atoms join to make something.
The formula for water is H₂O.
We wrote the formula for table salt on the board.
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- 5Short form of infant formula. It is the milk-like drink fed to babies instead of breast milk.
She warmed a bottle of formula for the baby.
We ran out of formula at midnight.
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- 6A set phrase people say from habit or politeness, not meaning it word for word.
Like saying 'good night': you say it from habit, not because you really mean the words.
We end every letter with the same polite formula, like 'best wishes.'
Saying 'bless you' after a sneeze is a formula we use out of habit.
Similarphrase, expression, wording
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- 7A set of words that states a religious belief in a fixed, official way.
Like an official promise written down so everyone says it the same way.
The creed is a formula every member recites at the service.
Each church has its own formula of faith.
Similarcreed, credo, statement, confession
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- 8In logic, a line of symbols that states something which can be true or false.
Like a sentence written in a special code, where the whole thing can be true or false.
The student checked whether the formula was true in every case.
Each formula in the proof followed from the line above it.
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Practice
Can you tell the meanings of formula apart? Answer 3 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.
Origin
A learned borrowing from Latin fōrmula, meaning a small pattern, rule, or method. It is a diminutive of forma, meaning 'a form'.