formulate (C1)

verb

Pronunciation: /ˈfɔːrmjʊleɪt/

Definition

To create or develop a plan, idea, or explanation systematically and carefully.

Examples

• The committee was tasked to formulate a new policy on environmental protection.

• She tried to formulate her thoughts into a coherent argument before the debate.

• It took him a long time to formulate the perfect response to the difficult question.

How to Use formulate

formulate a plan (collocation)

To create a detailed method for achieving something. — "They formulated a plan to escape the city before the storm hit."

formulate a strategy (collocation)

To develop a carefully designed set of actions to achieve a long-term goal. — "The company formulated a new strategy to increase market share."

formulate a hypothesis (collocation)

To propose a testable explanation for a phenomenon. — "The research began when the scientist formulated a hypothesis about the cause of the disease."

formulate a response (collocation)

To carefully construct an answer or reaction. — "He took a moment to formulate his response to the accusation."

Synonyms of formulate

Words with a similar meaning to formulate:

• devise
• develop
• create
• construct
• articulate

Antonyms of formulate

Words with the opposite meaning to formulate:

• destroy
• disrupt

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