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to formulate

to formulate

69 4.5
To create and describe an idea, plan, or theory clearly
  • verb
  • /ˈfɔrmjʊˌleɪt/
: formular
  • In the meeting, the manager asked everyone to formulate their ideas for the new marketing strategy.
  • formulate a policy
  • formulate a hypothesis
  • formulate an argument

And and I think we can formulate possible explanations.

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Examples

  • Just sit back, relax, we're gonna formulate a plan and I'll update you on it later.

  • Ms. Harper used an interactive writing approach for students to formulate a similar algebraic problem.

    Academic text (2013)
  • Are they not allowed to then formulate ideas to start for change?

  • And he says we want to now actually formulate and think about this need.

  • Perhaps we should stay and formulate our own strategy.

  • And then he would engage with that problem and formulate an answer and a theory about it.

  • Finally, during Wrap Up, students formulate questions about the important ideas in the text.

    Academic text (2015)
  • Our next move is for me to go back to my office and formulate an ingenious plan.

  • All prompts required students to take a position, formulate an argument, and provide support for their argument.

    Academic text (2013)
  • Guided by Ms. Harper, the students formulated the exact wording of the investigation plan.

    Academic text (2013)

Synonyms

to design
vsto formulate
∞ 2.6

To plan and make something so it looks and works as needed

prioritizes clear careful shaping and expression of the idea over appearance
to develop
vsto formulate
∞ 1.8

To create something new like an idea or product

also stresses careful clear expression of the idea, not only creation
to think of
vsto formulate
583 2.1

Invent a plan or idea in your mind

focuses more on careful clear external expression and precise wording
to lay out
vsto formulate
283 3.2

To explain something clearly and in detail

involves careful initial idea creation as well as clear detailed presentation
to articulate
vsto formulate
129 4.4

To say or write your ideas clearly so others understand

includes careful creation and shaping of the idea before clear expression
to devise
vsto formulate
124 4.8

To plan or invent something carefully

includes careful clear expression and wording as well as the plan
to compose
vsto formulate
105 3.5

To make writing, music, or a plan

emphasizes clear careful expression beyond mere assembly of parts
to frame
vsto formulate
105 3.9

To make the main structure and details of a plan or idea

emphasizes clear careful expression rather than only outlining structure
to spell out
vsto formulate
95 3.5

To explain something clearly and in detail

also includes creating and shaping the idea, not only explaining formed thoughts
to write up
vsto formulate
90 3.5

Put information into a complete report

stresses careful clear idea creation and expression beyond mere recording
to write out
vsto formulate
59 2.4

Put all the details on a form or paper

includes careful initial idea shaping and clear expression, not mere copying
to forge
vsto formulate
55 4.7

To create a plan or idea after careful thought

stresses careful clear expression and wording not just effortful creation
to invent
vsto formulate
52 3.2

To make up a story or excuse that is not true

involves careful clear expression and shaping rather than mere fabrication
to set out
vsto formulate
51 3.2

To arrange objects or information in a clear organized way

also requires careful clear shaping and expression beyond mere organization
to word
vsto formulate
43 4.9

To say something in a particular way

focuses more on creating and shaping the idea before choosing phrasing
to set forth
vsto formulate
  • Formal
36 4.2

To state something clearly in writing or speech

adds careful creation and shaping of the idea, not only formal presentation
to give voice
vsto formulate
32 4.3

To put thoughts or feelings into words

adds careful clear shaping and planning of the idea before voicing it
to strategize
vsto formulate
31 5.7

To plan the best way to reach a goal

covers careful clear idea formation and expression beyond tactical planning
to define
vsto formulate
14 1.0

To make the shape or edges of something clear

also involves creating and expressing the idea, not only stating boundaries
to contrive
vsto formulate
14 7.3

To invent a clever plan or excuse

values clear careful expression and planning rather than mere cleverness
to conceptualize
vsto formulate
11 6.9

To form an idea in your mind about something

adds careful clear expression and wording beyond the internal mental idea
to blueprint
vsto formulate
1 4.4

To make a detailed plan for something

focuses on creating and expressing the idea, not only technical plans
to excogitate
vsto formulate
  • Formal
1 9.9

To think very carefully to find a new idea or solution

includes careful clear outward expression, not only deep private thinking

How Clear

to formulate
69 4.5
to articulate
129 4.4
to state
225 1.6
to suggest
∞ 1.6
to hint
119 2.0

Surface Forms

formulate infinitive
formulated past
formulated past participle
formulating present participle
formulates third person singular

Morphology

formulate = form (semi-transparent) = form + ulate

The base 'form' is clear, but the suffix 'ulate' is less common and may not be immediately recognizable.

Etymology

The word formulate comes from the Latin forma 'shape' and the related word formula 'a fixed form or method'. To formulate an idea is to 'shape' it into clear words, so the origin explains why it means to create or express an idea carefully.