formalize

formalize [fawr-muh-lahyz] Word Origin verb (used with object), for·mal·ized, for·mal·iz·ing.

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.

Also especially British, for·mal·ise. Origin of formalize First recorded in 1590–1600; formal1 + -ize Related formsfor·mal·i·za·tion, nounfor·mal·iz·er, nouno·ver·for·mal·ize, verb, o·ver·for·mal·ized, o·ver·for·mal·iz·ing.un·for·mal·ized, adjective British Dictionary definitions for formalise formalize formalise 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

Derived Formsformalization or formalisation, nounformalizer or formaliser, noun Word Origin and History for formalise formalize v.

1590s, from formal + -ize. Related: Formalized; formalizing.