formation
[noun]
Synonyms:
- establishment, constitution, development, forming, generation, genesis, manufacture, production
- pattern, arrangement, configuration, design, grouping, structure

[TahlilGaran] English Synonym Dictionary ▲

for‧ma‧tion W3 /fɔːˈmeɪʃən $ fɔːr-/ noun
[Word Family: noun: form, formation, transformation, reformer, reform, reformation, reformist, transformer, formlessness; verb: form, reform, transform; adjective: reformed, reformist, formless; adverb: formlessly]

1. [uncountable] the process of starting a new organization or group Synonym : creation
formation of
the formation of a new government

2. [uncountable] the process by which something develops into a particular thing or shape
formation of
the substances which lead to the formation of ozone
We now know a lot more about the early stages of planetary formation.

3. [countable] the way in which a group of things are arranged to form a pattern or shape:
troop formations

4. in formation if a group of planes, ships, soldiers etc are moving in formation, they are flying, marching etc in a particular order or pattern:
a squadron of aircraft, flying in formation

5. [uncountable and countable] rock or cloud that is formed in a particular shape, or the shape in which it is formed
rock/cloud formation
the canyon’s impressive rock formations

6. [uncountable and countable] technical society, politics etc seen as a system of practices and beliefs
social/political/cultural etc formation
Marx founded a new science: the science of the history of social formations.

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

formation
noun
I. making/developing sth
ADJ. policy the top civil servants who are responsible for policy formation
VERB + FORMATION lead to, result in This dispute led to the formation of a new breakaway group.

[TahlilGaran] Collocations Dictionary ▲

formation
II. arrangement/group/pattern
ADJ. close, tight | battle The troops advanced in battle formation.
family, household, social changing patterns of marriage and family formation
FORMATION + NOUN dancing, flying
PREP. in a … ~ The men were grouped in a close formation.
in ~ a squadron of planes flying in formation

[TahlilGaran] Collocations Dictionary ▲

formation
III. sth that has been formed
ADJ. cloud, geological, rock | military, political

[TahlilGaran] Collocations Dictionary ▲