Formal

Semi Formal

Definition (Dictionary.com)

• Being in accordance with the usual requirements, customs, etc.; conventional: to pay one's formal respects.
• Marked by form or ceremony: a formal occasion.
• Designed for wear or use at occasions or events marked by elaborate ceremony or prescribed social observance: The formal attire included tuxedos and full-length gowns.
• Requiring a type of dress suitable for such occasions: a formal dance.
• Observant of conventional requirements of behavior, procedure, etc., as persons; ceremonious.

• Partly formal; containing some formal elements.

Examples in sentences

• They are planning to host a formal dinner party.
• A formal request is to be made by the ministers.
• The word ‘shall’ is generally used in formal situations.

• She was wearing a semi formal dress.
• It is just a semi formal invitation.
• It was a semi formal party.

Dress

A formal dress refers to the dress that is regarded to be suitable for events like wedding, garden party, etc.  For men, a formal dress is generally a business suit.

A semi formal dress refers to a dress that is found to be appropriate to wear in business events or parties.

Letter

A type of letter that is written according to a standard business format. This letter is generally written for correspondence between organizations and customers, etc.

A type of letter that is generally sent to unfamiliar people, but in a polite and respectful manner.

Language

A formal language is language that has no grammar or spelling mistakes.

A semi professional language contains components of a formal and an informal language.

English

Generally uses passive voice, no use of slang.  It contains Latinate verbs.

Generally uses a mixture of both; active and passive voice. It may use slang. It contains a mixture of Latinate and Phrasal verbs.

Meetings

Formal meetings are preplanned with a fixed agenda to be discussed. It takes place in an official set-up.

Generally, in semi formal meetings, public is invited to listen to the speaker.