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

From there, the final quarter was a formality as the Bills defeated the Broncos, 31-7. —Kyle Feldscher, CNN, 12 Jan. 2025

The roughly 30-minute event to confirm Trump’s return to power unfolded as a tidy, solemn ceremony, once again resembling its traditional role as an uncontroversial formality in the presidential transition process. —Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 6 Jan. 2025

The midi length of this piece adds a bit of formality to what is typically seen as a more relaxed style. —Rachel Sylvester, Glamour, 6 Jan. 2025

Then Caspar lit Radek’s and Nina lit his, a funny game of formality. —Brandon Taylor, The Atlantic, 4 Jan. 2025

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