formality

noun

for·​mal·​i·​ty fȯr-ˈma-lə-tē How to pronounce formality (audio)
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

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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.

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 While Dolce & Gabbana composed an ode to this archetype, others are taking it apart, using the satin-lapel jacket or the cummerbund as a way to play against formality or gender stereotypes. Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 12 Mar. 2024 Here are some issues to consider: The proper exercises of corporate formalities including Open Meeting Act compliance, keeping minutes and having proper elections (among other things) are critical to ensure the volunteers’ acts are considered acts of the HOA instead of the volunteers. Kelly G. Richardson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Mar. 2024 The building had a previous life as the King Charles Inn, but this new chapter takes a completely new direction, with formality thrown out the window. Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 27 Feb. 2024 His death comes shortly before Russia’s presidential election scheduled for March 15-17, which is widely seen by the international community as little more than a formality that will secure Putin a fifth term in power and extend his rule until at least 2030. Anna Chernova, CNN, 26 Feb. 2024 Last year Verstappen won 19 of 22 races making the championship more of a formality. Maury Brown, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2024 This gathering should not be misconstrued as a mere procedural formality. Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 19 Jan. 2024 The strap is black rubber whose fabric-like finish lends an edgy formality. Nancy Olson, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024 His death came weeks before the country’s presidential elections scheduled for March 17, which is widely seen by the international community as little more than a formality that will secure Putin a fifth term in power. Anna Chernova, CNN, 22 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'formality.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of formality was in 1597

Dictionary Entries Near formality

Cite this Entry

“Formality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/formality. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

formality

noun
for·​mal·​i·​ty fȯr-ˈmal-ət-ē How to pronounce formality (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on formality

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