formé

Formé is a French term that functions primarily as the past participle of the verb former and as an adjective. It can mean formed or shaped, and when applied to people, trained or educated. Common uses include formations like un soldat formé (a trained soldier) or une équipe bien formée (a well‑trained team). The feminine form is formée, and the plural forms are formés (masculine) and formées (feminine).

Etymology and meaning. Formé derives from the Latin formatus, via the Old French verb former, meaning to shape or create. In modern French, the word retains both a dynamic sense (something that has been formed or created) and a relational sense (someone who has undergone training).

Grammar and usage notes. Formé can act as an adjective or as a past participle in compound verbal forms. When used as an adjective, it agrees with the noun in gender and number (formé, formée, formés, formées). In the passé composé with avoir, the participle usually does not agree unless a preceding direct object is present, as in Les élèves que j'ai formés. With être as a passive or intransitive sense, you would have Le groupe est formé. The term is also used in phrases like "formé à" to indicate training in a particular skill or discipline.

See also. Related words include formation (the process of forming or training), former (to form in English; cognate verb in French), and formateur or formatrice (trainer or instructor).