Word
formulate
Meanings
to develop and clearly express a plan, idea, or rule after careful thought
to put something into a precise form, especially a statement, question, or explanation
to create a specific mixture or composition, especially for a product or substance
Definition
To formulate something is to create it carefully and systematically, especially as a plan, rule, or statement.
To formulate means to develop and express an idea, plan, policy, or explanation in a clear, organized way. It often implies careful thought, discussion, and a logical structure. People commonly formulate strategies, proposals, questions, and theories before they act or present them.
Examples
- I need time to formulate a coherent response before I speak to the committee.
- You can formulate your argument more persuasively if you define your key terms first.
- She formulated a contingency plan to keep the project moving during staff shortages.
- They formulated clear guidelines so the new process would be applied consistently.
Common mistake
Learners often use "formulate" as a synonym for "do" or "make" in casual contexts, but it usually implies a careful, systematic development of an idea or plan.
More at C1 level
- ubiquitous Present, appearing, or found everywhere at the same time.
- xenophobia Xenophobia is a strong dislike or fear of people from other countries or cultures.
- genocide Genocide is the deliberate killing of a large number of people from a particular group in order to …
- conundrum A conundrum is a confusing and difficult problem to solve.
- pretentious Trying to seem more important, intelligent, or cultured than you really are.
More verbs
- analyze To examine something carefully in order to understand it or explain it.
- scrutinize To scrutinize something is to examine it very carefully and in detail.
- affect To affect something is to influence it or cause it to change.
- allude To allude means to mention or suggest something indirectly without saying it clearly.
- elude To elude someone or something is to avoid being caught, understood, or remembered.