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

Try Small Accents Even just a hint of rattan goes a long way in toning down a room’s formality, as evidenced by this Chicago living room, where designer Summer Thornton swapped fabric lampshades for woven rattan varieties. —Monika Biegler Eyers, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Mar. 2025

Style always evolves, and there are multiple factors to consider before purchasing a wedding vest, such as the style and color of your suit, the formality of the venue and even the time of year. —Bestreviews, The Mercury News, 10 Mar. 2025

If every meeting is a mere formality, then the spirit of agile is lost. —Federico Imparatta, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025

Jennifer Johnson's Advice for Office Attire: A nice dress: with a cardigan or blazer depending on formality. —David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for formality

• banality
• bestiality
• brutality
• carnality
• centrality
• chirality
• duality
• fatality
• finality
• frugality
• legality
• lethality

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