formality

American  

[fawr-mal-i-tee] / fɔrˈmæl ɪ ti /

noun

plural

formalities

1. condition or quality of being formal; accordance with required or traditional rules, procedures, etc.; conventionality.

2. rigorously methodical character.

3. strict adherence to established rules and procedures; rigidity.

4. observance of form or ceremony.

5. marked or excessive ceremoniousness.

6. an established order or method of proceeding.

   the formalities of judicial process.

7. a formal act or observance.

   Synonyms:

   ceremony, ritual, rite

8. something done merely or mainly for form's sake; a requirement of custom or etiquette.

   the formality of a thank-you note.

---

formality British  

/ fɔːˈmælɪtɪ /

noun

1. a requirement of rule, custom, etiquette, etc

2. the condition or quality of being formal or conventional

3. strict or excessive observance of form, ceremony, etc

4. an established, proper, or conventional method, act, or procedure

---

Etymology

Origin of formality

From the Latin word fōrmālitās, dating back to 1525–35. See formal ¹, -ity

Example Sentences

They are rock bottom and 29 points from safety, with relegation to League One looking a formality.

From BBC

He will be released once formalities have been completed due to the length of time he has already spent on remand.

From BBC

Captain Romero handed the ball to Simons, who completed the formalities.

From BBC

Transferring the property into his daughter’s name was a formality for the most part, as it has been reported that Alexa has been living in the dwelling since 2010.

From MarketWatch

That kind of formality wasn’t part of his day-to-day life, and it made him feel uncomfortable at a vulnerable moment.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• procedure
• red tape
• rite
• ritual