formality

[ fawr-mal-i-tee ]

/ fɔrˈmæl ɪ ti /

SEE SYNONYMS FOR formality ON THESAURUS.COM

noun, plural for·mal·i·ties.

condition or quality of being formal; accordance with required or traditional rules, procedures, etc.; conventionality.

rigorously methodical character.

strict adherence to established rules and procedures; rigidity.

observance of form or ceremony.

marked or excessive ceremoniousness.

an established order or method of proceeding: the formalities of judicial process.

a formal act or observance.

something done merely or mainly for form's sake; a requirement of custom or etiquette: the formality of a thank-you note.

Origin of formality

From the Latin word fōrmālitās, dating back to 1525–35. See formal¹, -ity

SYNONYMS FOR formality

7 rite, ritual, ceremony.

SEE SYNONYMS FOR formality ON THESAURUS.COM

Words nearby formality

formal system, formaldehyde, formalin, formalin pigment, formalism, formality, formalize, formally, formalwear, formamidase, forman

Example sentences from the Web for formality

It was both stylish and somber while being suitably grand for the formality of the occasion.

Kate Middleton, the Preggers Fashion Princess |Tom Sykes |November 14, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
Early marriage is mostly a formality, but girls traditionally leave school at that time.

The Sad Hidden Plight of Child Grooms |Nina Strochlic |September 18, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
These cities want to be the next London, and when they look at that city, they see order and formality.

Great Cities are Born Filthy |Will Doig |July 13, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
The ownership agreement, which is “quite unique,” Feldman said, is pretty much a formality.

Whose Elephant Is It? |Winston Ross |December 9, 2012 |DAILY BEAST

And his relaxation of evening formality—without losing the exquisite pleasure of dressing up—was as refreshing as a sigh.

Raf’s Ready-to-Wear Debut at Dior |Robin Givhan |September 28, 2012 |DAILY BEAST
Without the formality of knocking, they entered an apartment on the fourth floor where a woman stood washing dishes.

Abe and Mawruss |Montague Glass
The manners of maidens had more of reserve and formality then.

Fifty Years of Railway Life in England, Scotland and Ireland |Joseph Tatlow
It was a formality, he said, to straighten out some tangle, so I did it.

The Best Policy |Elliott Flower
The Otaheiteans have the most perfect easiness of manners, equally free from forwardness and formality.

A Voyage to the South Sea |William Bligh
Introduction is a formality and a bore, and is never resorted to by your well-bred host, save in a casual way.

The Young Duke |Benjamin Disraeli

British Dictionary definitions for formality

formality

/ (fɔːˈmælɪtɪ) /

noun plural -ties

a requirement of rule, custom, etiquette, etc

the condition or quality of being formal or conventional

strict or excessive observance of form, ceremony, etc

an established, proper, or conventional method, act, or procedure

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Learning

formality

noun, plural for·mal·i·ties.

Origin of formality

SYNONYMS FOR formality

Words nearby formality

Example sentences from the Web for formality

British Dictionary definitions for formality

noun plural -ties

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Learning

formality

noun, plural for·mal·i·ties.

Origin of formality

SYNONYMS FOR formality

Words nearby formality

Words related to formality

Example sentences from the Web for formality

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noun plural -ties

British Dictionary definitions for formality