formality

American  

[fawr-mal-i-tee] / fɔrˈmæl ɪ ti /

noun

• formalities
  plural

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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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• formalities
  plural

Etymology

Origin of formality

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

Explanation

A formality is something that follows traditional rules. Even though you knew your request for time off at work would be approved, you still went through the formality of filling out all the required paperwork. Formality also means to align with customs or etiquette. In this way, a formality is often something that's more symbolic than necessary. For example, when a big group sits down to eat dinner together, no one starts eating until everyone is served. That formality of dining etiquette is a sign of good manners and consideration for others. If you're British, a formality of your culture is to curtsy or bow when you meet the Queen.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

formality formalities

This could have played out differently had Team Jackson not cleared the field ahead of what is now a formality.

From Slate ● Jul. 24, 2026

After giving birth, Shakhnoza Nazarova thought registering her daughter's name would be a mere formality.

From Barron's ● Jul. 3, 2026

“There is now an effective consensus … that there is a discernible human influence on the climate,” Browne, a small, professorly man with an air of British formality, told the audience.

From Salon ● Jun. 26, 2026

A sprawling collection of sports sponsorships cemented its burgeoning and disruptive influence over international sport, and a future Olympic bid felt like a formality.

From BBC ● May 1, 2026

Curt called her “Mother,” which had a certain formality, an archaic ring.

From "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

City confirmed on Thursday they had reached an agreement with Forest to sign Anderson - the formalities of the transfer being completed after his participation at the World Cup concludes.

From BBC ● Jul. 2, 2026

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 ● Mar. 24, 2026

Polite formalities did not return at the toss, Suryakumar Yadav and Salman Ali Agha giving each other the silent treatment.

From BBC ● Feb. 15, 2026

The two players also noticeably kept apart for the pre-match formalities and photos.

From Barron's ● Jan. 29, 2026

“What’s wrong with him?” she asked Ernie through the screen, skipping the formalities.

From "As Brave As You" by Jason Reynolds

Related Words

• procedure
• red tape
• rite
• ritual