formulate
gb/fˈɔɹmjulˌeɪt/ us/fˈɔɹmjulˌeɪt/
B2
English
~ 4400
megfogalmaz, kidolgoz, összeállít, előállít, formuláz
VERB
B2
1
megfogalmaz
B1
kidolgoz
B1
Usage pattern:
to formulate [a plan/idea/proposal]
The team formulated a detailed strategy for the next quarter.
A csapat részletes stratégiát dolgozott ki a következő negyedévre.
She formulated her ideas before presenting them to the board.
Megfogalmazta a gondolatait, mielőtt ismertette őket az igazgatótanáccsal.
We need to formulate a clear policy on data privacy.
The committee will formulate proposals for the new project.
He took time to formulate his response carefully.
Learner examples
We formulated a plan for the trip.
Kidolgoztunk egy tervet az útra.
She formulated her answer before speaking.
Megfogalmazta a válaszát, mielőtt megszólalt.
They formulated a new policy for the school.
I formulated my ideas before writing.
We formulated a strategy to win the game.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'formulate' with 'format'; 'format' means arrange or style text, while 'formulate' means develop and express ideas or plans.
Meaning
Express an idea or plan clearly
Collocations
formulate a plan
|formulate a strategy
|formulate an idea
|formulate a proposal
|formulate a policy
Synonyms
devise (Often implies inventing or coming up with something new, sometimes less emphasis on verbal clarity.)
|
draft (Usually refers to preparing an initial written version, not necessarily the full process of developing the idea.)
Antonyms
improvise (Means to act without preparation or careful planning, opposite of formulating.)
Themes
communication
|planning
|business
|education
Definition
To make a plan or idea and say it clearly.
To carefully create and express an idea, plan, or proposal in a clear and organized way.
VERB
C1
TECHNICAL
2
Usage pattern:
to formulate [a product/compound/mixture]
Scientists formulated a new vaccine after years of research.
A tudósok több évnyi kutatás után új vakcinát állítottak elő.
The company formulates its cleaning products with natural ingredients.
A vállalat természetes összetevőkből állítja össze a tisztítószereit.
Engineers are working to formulate a stronger adhesive.
They formulated a paint that resists fading.
The pharmacist formulated the ointment in the lab.
Learner examples
The scientist formulated a new drug.
A tudós új gyógyszerkészítményt állított össze.
They formulated a strong glue.
Erős ragasztót állítottak össze.
We formulated the cake mix in the kitchen.
The chemist formulated the perfume.
She formulated the medicine for children.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'formulate' here with 'mix'; 'mix' is less precise and doesn't imply a specific method or formula.
Meaning
Prepare something using a method
Collocations
formulate a drug
|formulate a compound
|formulate a mixture
|formulate a product
Synonyms
manufacture (Focuses more on large-scale production rather than careful design of composition.)
|
synthesize (Common in chemistry; emphasizes combining elements to create something new.)
Antonyms
destroy (To break down or ruin something rather than create it.)
Themes
science
|manufacturing
|technology
|work
Definition
To make something, like medicine or food, by following a set method.
To prepare or create something, especially a chemical or product, according to a specific method or recipe.
Grammar
Dictionary form
formulate
IPA
GB/fˈɔɹmjulˌeɪt/
US/fˈɔɹmjulˌeɪt/
Syllables & stress
for - mu - late (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (for)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: formulate
- 3rd Person Singular: formulates
- Present Participle: formulating
- Past: formulated
Word family
Forms
formulates
verb
formulating
verb
formulated
verb
Core family
formulation
noun C1
formula
noun B1
Related words
formulaic
adjective
Advanced or less common
formulator
noun
Expressions
formulate a plan
1/fˈɔɹmjulˌeɪt ə plˈæn/
fixed phrase
Create and state a plan clearly
To think of and say how you will do something.
Examples
- We need to formulate a plan before starting the project.
- She formulated a plan to increase sales.
formulate a strategy
1/fˈɔɹmjulˌeɪt ə stɹˈætəd͡ʒi/
fixed phrase
Create and state a strategy clearly
To decide and explain how you will reach a goal.
Examples
- The coach formulated a strategy for the final game.
- Our company must formulate a strategy for entering the new market.
formulate an idea
1/fˈɔɹmjulˌeɪt ən aɪdˈiə/
fixed phrase
Create and state an idea clearly
To think of an idea and explain it clearly.
Examples
- He struggled to formulate an idea that would impress the investors.
- I need time to formulate my ideas before speaking.