formality

noun

for·​mal·​i·​ty fȯr-ˈma-lə-tē 

plural formalities

1

: compliance with formal or conventional rules : ceremony

2

: the quality or state of being formal

3

: an established form or procedure that is required or conventional

the interview was just a formality

Did you know?

Formal behavior follows the proper forms or customs, and informal behavior feels free to ignore them. The formality of a dinner party is indicated by such formalities as invitations, required dress, and full table settings. Legal formalities, or technicalities, may turn out to be all-important even if they often seem minor. America requires fewer formalities than many other countries (in Germany, for example, you may know someone for years before using his or her first name), but even in relaxed situations Americans may be observing invisible formalities.

Synonyms

• amenity
• attention
• civility
• courtesy
• gesture
• pleasantry
• politeness

Examples of formality in a Sentence

Her use of old-fashioned language lends an air of formality to her writing.

He failed to appreciate the formality of the occasion.

They haven't approved the loan yet, but that's just a mere formality.

Recent Examples on the Web

Opposition Suppression The election is expected to be a formality, with Lukashenko likely winning by a significant margin. —Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 24 Jan. 2025

The issue may be a mere formality in an administration that in its first day took steps to roll back environmental and health protections put in place by the previous administration. —Sharon Lerner, ProPublica, 22 Jan. 2025

The problem of language formality was mostly solved by including less formal sources like books, Wikipedia, and similar material in AI training databases. —Ars Technica, 15 Jan. 2025

Such resolutions are generally a formality, and the Carter Center accepted the invitation Monday, following Carter’s death Sunday at the age of 100. —Lauren Irwin, The Hill, 30 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

formality

noun

for·​mal·​i·​ty fȯr-ˈmal-ət-ē 

plural formalities

1

: a going along with formal or customary rules : ceremony

2

: the quality or state of being formal

3

: an established form that is required or usual

the interview was just a formality