formality

formalité

Démarche imposée par une règle ou une coutume, même si le résultat est déjà certain.

En anglais simple : 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?

Synonymes : procedure

Expressions courantes : just a formality, complete a formality, legal formality

formalisme, solennité

Façon de se comporter avec une politesse soignée et selon les règles officielles, sans familiarité.

En anglais simple : 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.

Synonymes : ceremony

Contraires : informality

Expressions courantes : great formality, formality of something, without formality, degree of formality

pure formalité, rituel vide

Action faite par habitude ou tradition, sans effet ni importance réels.

En anglais simple : 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.

Synonymes : empty ritual, empty gesture

Expressions courantes : mere formality, empty formality, meaningless formality