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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
Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 June 2025
There's a formality even of respect and politeness.
—Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 June 2025
On Tuesday, the defense asked the judge to toss out the case, arguing that the charges were not proven by the prosecutors; this is also a formality in a criminal trial.
—Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 25 June 2025
As a formality, the City Council will need to approve the ordinance’s second reading at its June 24 meeting.
—Jonathan Horwitz, Oc Register, 18 June 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Formality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/formality. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.
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formality
noun
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