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

Did you know?

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

• gesture
• courtesy

Examples of formality in a Sentence

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

That is not to say that Sunday’s final is a formality, but Chelsea’s head coach Enzo Maresca would not claim his team are at the same stage in their development. —Oliver Kay, New York Times, 9 July 2025

The building was dedicated with more formality on Aug. 15, 1907, with a street parade of Knights of Pythias units in full regalia. —Powered By, IndyStar, 2 July 2025

Yet many businesses still treat governance as a compliance formality, rather than a strategic asset. —Imre Szenttornyay, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025

Wicker: For a relaxed area or achieving a beachy, bohemian style, wicker and rattan coffee tables decrease formality. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 26 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for formality

• banality
• bestiality
• brutality
• carnality
• centrality
• chirality
• duality
• fatality
• finality
• frugality
• legality
• lethality

Kids Definition

formality

noun

for·​mal·​i·​ty fȯr-ˈmal-ət-ē 

plural formalities

1

: a going along with formal or customary rules : ceremony

2

: the quality or state of being formal

3

: an established form that is required or usual

the interview was just a formality