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to formalize

to formalize

15 4.9
To make something official by following rules, often with a written agreement
  • verb
  • /ˈfɔːrməlaɪz/
  • US
translation icon : formalizar
  • Many meetings were held to formalize the research design and data collection process.
  • formalized program
  • formalize relationships
  • formalized policy

And so the the Europe division, they're like, sorry, you can't you can't formalize, formalize the relationship.

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Examples

  • Yet many school library leaders do not formalize their programs through planning.

    Academic text (2013)
  • The separation of church and state was formalized in the Constitution of 1952.

    Academic text (1999)
  • And if we do it I think we need to formalize our relationship.

  • You should formalize our relationship.

  • One case management program decided to formalize relationships with other agencies in the community.

    Academic text (1990)
  • Now, before we formalize this merger, are there any outstanding questions we might address?

  • As programs develop, these relationships may be formalized in written policy agreements.

    Academic text (1990)
  • Since then there have been suggestions that Parliament's role should be formalized either through a resolution or through legislation.

  • And now here, today, Western and Arab leaders will meet for the first time to formalize this new coalition, designed to once and for all put a stranglehold on international terrorism.

  • Before implementing the project, we need to formalize the agreement with all stakeholders.

Synonyms

to enact
vsto formalize
  • Formal
172 4.7

To make a rule into law by an official vote or order

is broader, including formal approval without requiring lawmaking
to legalize
vsto formalize
  • US
135 3.7

Make something allowed by law

is broader, meaning to make official by rules or grant legal status
to validate
vsto formalize
  • Formal
87 3.9

To make something officially acceptable by showing proof

is about creating formal status rather than confirming validity
to standardize
vsto formalize
  • US
83 4.2

To make things the same by using one set of rules

is about giving official status rather than making things uniform
to legitimize
vsto formalize
  • US
40 5.8

To make something legal or officially accepted

is about general official formalization, not only legal acceptance
to promulgate
vsto formalize
  • Formal
24 8.0

Officially announce a new law or rule so it starts to apply

is about creating official status rather than only announcing or applying laws
to codify
vsto formalize
  • Formal
23 6.8

To arrange laws, rules, or information into one clear system

is about granting official status, not merely arranging or organizing rules
to sanction
vsto formalize
  • Formal
16 7.1

To give religious approval during a formal ceremony

is about making official by rules or legal status rather than ritual approval
to institutionalize
vsto formalize
  • US
16 7.1

Make something a regular and accepted part of a system or group

is about formal official status rather than long term societal embedding
to regularize
vsto formalize
1 6.4

To make something follow rules or standards

is about making something officially formal, not just fitting rules
to officialize
vsto formalize
  • US
1 7.0

To give something formal approval from someone in charge

is about a formal process that follows rules and gives legal status
to O.K.
vsto formalize
2.3

To give permission to start or use something

focuses on making official through rule following or legal recognition
to legitimise
vsto formalize
  • UK
5.0

Make something legal by official approval

is about general official formalization, not only legal acceptance
to conventionalize
vsto formalize
7.5

To make something follow the usual rules or styles used by a group

is about official, rule based formal status, not merely customary practice

How Official

to legalize
  • US
135 3.7
to enact
  • Formal
172 4.7
to codify
  • Formal
23 6.8
to formalize
  • US
15 4.9
to establish
411 4.1
to acknowledge
367 3.8

Surface Forms

formalize infinitive
formalized past
formalized past participle
formalizing present participle
formalizes third person singular

Morphology

formalize = formal (transparent) = formal + ize

Standard verb formation: adding '-ize' to the adjective 'formal' yields 'to make or become formal', which is directly inferable.

Etymology

The word formalize comes from formal, which comes from a word meaning 'form' or 'shape', plus the ending -ize which means 'make'. So, to formalize something is to give it an official shape or make it official, like turning a casual deal into a signed contract.