formality

Universal Words noun (plural formalities) 1 [C,usually pl.] a thing that you must do as a formal or official part of a legal process, a social situation, etc: to go through all the formalities necessary in order to get a gun licence * Let's skip the formalities and get down to business. 2 [C,usually sing.] a thing that you must do as part of an official process, but which has little meaning and will not affect what happens: He already knows he has the job so the interview is a mere formality. 3 [U] correct and formal behaviour: Different levels of formality are appropriate in different situations. * She greeted him with stiff formality. \