Definition of formulate

The word "formulate" comes from the Latin "formulare", which means "to formulate" or "to draw up a formula". This Latin verb is derived from "forma", meaning "form" or "shape", and the suffix "-ulari", which forms verbs related to "to make" or "to do". In the 15th century, the English language borrowed the word "formulate" from Latin, initially meaning "to put into a fixed form" or "to express in words". Over time, the meaning expanded to include the idea of creating or proposing a plan, theory, or solution to a problem, often in a precise or methodical way. Today, "formulate" is commonly used in various fields, such as science, medicine, and business, to describe the process of creating a plan, theory, or solution, as well as shaping or molding an idea into a coherent and effective form.