formality
condition or quality of being formal; accordance with required or traditional rules, procedures, etc.; conventionality.
rigorously methodical character.
strict adherence to established rules and procedures; rigidity.
observance of form or ceremony.
marked or excessive ceremoniousness.
an established order or method of proceeding: the formalities of judicial process.
a formal act or observance.
something done merely or mainly for form's sake; a requirement of custom or etiquette: the formality of a thank-you note.
Origin of formality
1Other words for formality
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use formality in a sentence
In the absence of ceremonial formalities, Francis favored a business-like manner.
The Duke of Cambridge made the comment to a former regimental sergeant major, Ray Collister, 56, after the formalities.
More Kids Planned Kate? No, One is Enough, At The Moment... | Tom Sykes | March 17, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTThe Copenhagen climate talks (Conference of the Parties 15, or COP15) were supposed to conclude with formalities.
But these old boxes and formalities still determine how entities are viewed and regulated.
She waited for no further formalities, but shaken with the sure foreboding of calamity, turned and fled the room.
Ancestors | Gertrude Atherton
"Now, you say you heard your sister scream," said the lawyer after the usual formalities had passed.
The Homesteader | Oscar MicheauxNeither of these formalities seems to have obtained generally in classical times.
The Private Life of the Romans | Harold Whetstone JohnstonThe masseur had a great deal of trouble in explaining to her the parliamentary formalities of the verification of elections.
The Nabob | Alphonse DaudetHe forgot one or two of the formalities which were religiously observed at that solitary table.
With Edged Tools | Henry Seton Merriman
British Dictionary definitions for formality
/ (fɔːˈmælɪtɪ) /
a requirement of rule, custom, etiquette, etc
the condition or quality of being formal or conventional
strict or excessive observance of form, ceremony, etc
an established, proper, or conventional method, act, or procedure
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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