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.

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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

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Etymology

Origin of formality

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

Example Sentences

“None of our friends and family ever walk through our front door,” said James, so they decided to do away with the formality.

From The Wall Street Journal

Japan's formalities -- from the complexity of polite language to extreme attention to detail in packaging or wrapping -- may surprise visitors, he said.

From Barron's

And the FA Cup is no formality either, with City hosting rivals Liverpool in the quarter-final on Saturday 4 April after the international break, with league games immediately after against Chelsea and Arsenal.

From BBC

But there is another aspect of things worth exploring here, beyond the formality of Washington's requests, and the informality of the president both in private and in public.

From BBC

There was a time when a certain level of written formality was expected of people in power.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• procedure
• red tape
• rite
• ritual