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formality

Meaning in simple English, pronunciation and examples

Pronunciation: US /fɔːrˈmæləti/ · UK /fɔːˈmæləti/

formality means: Something you must do because a rule or custom requires it, even when the result is already certain.

noun

REQUIRED STEPB2

Something you must do because a rule or custom requires it, even when the result is already certain.

  • The final interview is a formality.
  • We completed the formalities before collecting the keys.
  • Is this vote a formality, or could the plan still fail?

Similar words: procedure

Common phrases: just a formality, complete a formality, legal formality

FORMAL BEHAVIORC1

The use of careful, polite behavior and official rules rather than a relaxed, friendly style.

  • The meeting had little formality.
  • She disliked the formality of official dinners.
  • His speech brought a touch of formality to the celebration.

Similar words: ceremony

Opposites: informality

Common phrases: great formality, formality of something, without formality, degree of formality

EMPTY RITUALC1

An action done out of habit or custom that has no real effect or importance.

  • Their greeting was an empty formality.
  • The annual ceremony had become a meaningless formality.
  • She wanted a real apology, not a formality.

Similar words: empty ritual, empty gesture

Common phrases: mere formality, empty formality, meaningless formality

Questions about formality

What does formality mean?

Something you must do because a rule or custom requires it, even when the result is already certain.

What is formality in other languages?

Türkçe: formalite · Español: formalidad · Français: formalité · Deutsch: Formalität · Italiano: formalità · 日本語: 形式的な手続き

How do you pronounce formality?

In American English /fɔːrˈmæləti/; in British English /fɔːˈmæləti/.

How do you use formality in a sentence?

The final interview is a formality. We completed the formalities before collecting the keys.

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formality in other languages

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