formality

[fawr-mal-i-tee]

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

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of formality¹

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

Example Sentences

Arne Slot's first season as head coach proceeded with Liverpool virtually unchallenged from Christmas onwards, sealing the formalities with four matches left and ending 10 points clear.

From BBC

The 25-year-old will complete the formalities of his move, including a medical, in London on Monday before signing a long-term contract with the Premier League champions.

From BBC

With the volume rising, referee Simon Hooper consulted the screen but the outcome was a formality.

From BBC

“In contrast to the formalities of the Washington Football Team investigation, Defendants’ treatment of Gruden was a Soviet-style character assassination,” the lawsuit alleged.

From Los Angeles Times

“The Gilded Age” has always plied high-toned melodrama as its chief asset, but Season 3 ripens the starched formality of previous episodes into succulence.

From Salon

Related Words

• procedure 
• red tape 
• rite 
• ritual