verb

formulieren

formulate

Etwas klar und verständlich in Worte fassen.

Definition & meaning

formulieren means to formulate, phrase, or put something into words. It can refer to expressing an idea clearly, choosing the wording of a statement, or drafting a text.

eine Frage formulieren — to phrase a question
einen Antrag formulieren — to draft or word an application
etwas höflich formulieren — to phrase something politely

Grammar & word origin

formulieren is a regular verb. Its principal forms are formulierte (simple past) and hat formuliert (present perfect). It is usually used with a direct object: einen Satz formulieren (“to phrase a sentence”).

The verb is derived from Formel (“formula”) and ultimately comes from Latin formula, meaning a form or set expression.

Synonyms & antonyms

Depending on context, synonyms include:

ausdrücken — to express; focuses more on communicating a thought or feeling than on choosing its exact wording.
formulieren can be replaced by in Worte fassen — literally “to put into words”; often emphasizes making an idea verbally explicit.
verfassen — to compose or write a text; usually refers to producing a more complete written work.

There is no single exact antonym. Depending on context, verschweigen [?](vocabuo://word/verschweigen] (“to keep silent about something”) or unformuliert lassen (“to leave something unexpressed”) may contrast with it.