かしこまった

noun-modifying (irregular)

formal; stiff; humble; respectful

Describes speech, writing, or manner that is overly formal, stiff, or excessively polite. Often used critically when someone is being too ceremonious or distant. Derived from the verb 畏まる (かしこまる, 'to sit straight' or 'to obey respectfully').

See also: かしこまる

• 彼かれは畏かしこまった口く調ちょうで話はなし始はじめた。

  He began to speak in a stiff, formal tone.

• 畏かしこまった文ぶん章しょうは読よみにくい。

  Overly formal writing is hard to read.