EnglishMain Dictionary
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.
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