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formula

formula

172 3.9
A usual method for doing something that people follow
  • noun
  • /ˈfɔrmjələ/
translation icon : fórmula
  • To bake the cake, you need to follow this formula carefully to achieve the best results.
  • a formula for success
  • use a formula
  • apply a formula

And so we invent common formulae and baptize them truths.

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Examples

  • I was just looking over the formula.

  • It's, it's almost a fail safe formula for success.

  • So what does that simple formula tell you?

  • All right, so this is another formula that we'll make use of.

  • Let's just get the formula back and get out of here.

  • So what's the formula for a bad story?

  • OK, so those are basically the key formulas to know.

  • We strayed from the formula, and we paid the price.

  • Is there some magic formula to predict whether a clip will go viral?

    Academic text (2017)
  • But these days everyone wanted a formula, a nifty explanation for guys like this.

    Fiction book (1999)

Synonyms

rule
vsformula
1.0

An instruction or law that tells people what to do

is a customary example for doing things rather than an official command
standard
vsformula
675 2.7

Generally used and accepted as correct

is a specific practiced method used as an example rather than a general accepted norm
pattern
vsformula
127 1.4

A paper or cloth guide used to cut fabric for clothes

is a practiced procedural method rather than simply a visual template to copy
convention
vsformula
106 3.9

A usual way of behaving that most people in a group follow

is a practiced technical method followed as a model not only a social custom
paradigm
vsformula
100 7.4

A model or example that people follow in a field

is an established way used broadly rather than only a field specific model
rubric
vsformula
3 7.2

A rule that tells people how to act during a religious service or ceremony

is a customary broad method used as an example rather than a specific procedural instruction

Antonyms

31 6.2

Acting on a sudden feeling without planning or thought

29 5.6

An act of making or doing something quickly without a plan to solve a problem

Compounds

chemical formula
  • Specialized
3 3.6

Symbols that show which elements are in a substance and how many of each

molecular formula
  • Specialized
1 4.1

The exact number and kinds of atoms in one small part of a chemical compound

benzene formula
  • Specialized
5.8

A diagram showing six carbon atoms in a ring, each attached to one hydrogen

empirical formula
  • Specialized
4.8

The simplest whole number ratio of elements in a chemical compound, not the exact number of atoms

Cat food that helps stop hair clumps forming in a cat's stomach

Kekule formula
  • Specialized
9.9

A structural drawing of benzene showing six carbons in a ring with alternating single and double bonds

structural formula
  • Specialized
6.1

A drawing that shows how atoms are joined in a molecule

How Conventional

routine
354 1.0
formula
172 3.9
procedure
688 3.7
method
2.2
technique
879 3.3

Surface Forms

formula singular
formulas plural

Etymology

Formula comes from the old Latin forma ('form') and the ending -ula ('little'), which gives the sense of a small, fixed pattern. That's why a formula can mean a standard method or way of doing something that people follow again and again.