C1verbformalacademic
US/ˈfɔːr.mjə.leɪt/
UK/ˈfɔː.mjə.leɪt/
to develop a plan, idea or theory carefully and express it clearly
In context
Before collecting any data, researchers must formulate a clear hypothesis.
The ministry is formulating a new policy on artificial intelligence in schools.
She paused to formulate her answer before replying to the examiner.
Words that go with formulate
verb + noun
- formulate a policyIt took the council two years to formulate a policy on housing.
- formulate a hypothesisStudents learn to formulate a hypothesis and then test it.
- formulate a planThe team met to formulate a plan for the new course.
- formulate a strategyUniversities must formulate a strategy for attracting foreign students.
adverb + verb
- carefully formulatedThe questions were carefully formulated to avoid bias.