Word
formulate
Definition
v. to create a plan, an idea, or a list of steps very carefully. You use this when you need to think deeply to get the details exactly right.
v. to create or prepare something through systematic thought and precise effort. Transitive — requires a direct object such as a plan, theory, or policy.
Examples
“The team needs to formulate a new strategy.”
“Scientists spent months working to formulate a vaccine that would remain stable at room temperature.”
“The committee was tasked to formulate a comprehensive response to the housing crisis, ensuring that every proposed measure was backed by recent economic data.”
Examples
simple
“The team needs to formulate a new strategy.”
contextual
“Scientists spent months working to formulate a vaccine that would remain stable at room temperature.”
complex
“The committee was tasked to formulate a comprehensive response to the housing crisis, ensuring that every proposed measure was backed by recent economic data.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “formulate” in context.
Verb
01. formulate theory
“It took years of research for the scientist to formulate a theory that explained the phenomenon.”
verb + noun
Usage
The verb is transitive and typically takes abstract nouns like 'plan', 'policy', 'theory', or 'response' as its object.
Real-World Examples
“The findings could also inform how manufacturers formulate ant baits.” “Meanwhile, smaller developers who are starved of investment through traditional routes, are quietly formulating a counter-economy.” Etymology
From formula + -ate.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/formulate
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0