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
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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
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
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 Sunday’s regular-season finale against the Dallas Wings will now just be a formality before the Sparks embark on a crucial offseason to remake a franchise in disarray. 
Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2022 Requiring just a single point from their remaining two matches in September, this is seemingly a formality. Asif Burhan, Forbes, 3 Aug. 2022 If that game is 13-13 in the 12th inning, that moment was a formality. Paul Daugherty, The Enquirer, 25 June 2022 But that merely is a formality, considering that Vincent, based on his contribution as a frequent starter this past season, likely would command more than three times as much on the open market. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 14 June 2022 The proposals endorsed Wednesday will not take effect until voted on next month by the Division I Board of Directors, though that is expected to be a mere formality. Creg Stephenson | Cstephenson@al.com, al, 20 July 2022 What used to be a mere formality has become a far more difficult process in recent years. Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 18 May 2022 Launching a candidacy in France is a necessary formality for each presidential election. Compiled Democrat-gazette Staff From Wire Reports, Arkansas Online, 13 Sep. 2021 In this bedroom, in particular, the headboard defines the color scheme and provides a sense of formality while also asserting a modern twist that doesn't feel overly trendy. Hadley Mendelsohn, House Beautiful, 23 June 2022 See More
Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2022 Requiring just a single point from their remaining two matches in September, this is seemingly a formality. Asif Burhan, Forbes, 3 Aug. 2022 If that game is 13-13 in the 12th inning, that moment was a formality. Paul Daugherty, The Enquirer, 25 June 2022 But that merely is a formality, considering that Vincent, based on his contribution as a frequent starter this past season, likely would command more than three times as much on the open market. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 14 June 2022 The proposals endorsed Wednesday will not take effect until voted on next month by the Division I Board of Directors, though that is expected to be a mere formality. Creg Stephenson | Cstephenson@al.com, al, 20 July 2022 What used to be a mere formality has become a far more difficult process in recent years. Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 18 May 2022 Launching a candidacy in France is a necessary formality for each presidential election. Compiled Democrat-gazette Staff From Wire Reports, Arkansas Online, 13 Sep. 2021 In this bedroom, in particular, the headboard defines the color scheme and provides a sense of formality while also asserting a modern twist that doesn't feel overly trendy. Hadley Mendelsohn, House Beautiful, 23 June 2022 See More Word History
First Known Use
1597, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Kids Definition
formality
noun
for·mal·i·ty fȯr-ˈma-lə-tē
plural formalities
1
: the quality or state of being formal
the formality of the occasion
2
: an established way of doing something
wedding formalities
formality
noun
1
as in gesture
an act or utterance that is a customary show of good manners bowing to your guest is a formality you don't need to perform for me Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- gesture
- courtesy
- politeness
- ceremony
- manners
- ritual
- civility
- etiquette
- pleasantry
- rules
- attention
- decorum
- rite
- amenity
- greetings
- kindness
- observance
- form
- respects
- honors
- grace
- regards
- proprieties
- protocol
- mores
- favor
- addresses
- kindliness
- devoirs
2
as in ritual
an oft-repeated action or series of actions performed in accordance with tradition or a set of rules churchgoers loved the formalities of a traditional Christmas Eve candlelight service Synonyms & Similar Words
- ritual
- ceremony
- ceremonial
- observance
- solemnity
- tradition
- rite
- celebration
- decorum
- form
- civility
- etiquette
- practice
- proprieties
- protocol
- manners
- standard
- convention
- habit
- graces
- amenities
- service
- custom
- way
- mores
- practise