formality

1 an act or utterance that is a customary show of good manners <bowing to your guest is a formality you don't need to perform for me> Synonyms amenity, attention, courtesy, civility, gesture, pleasantry, politenessRelated Words honors; ceremony, observance, rite, ritual; decorum, etiquette, form, manners, mores, proprieties; addresses, devoirs, greetings, regards, respects; favor, grace, kindliness, kindness; protocol, rules

2 an oft-repeated action or series of actions performed in accordance with tradition or a set of rules <churchgoers loved the formalities of a traditional Christmas Eve candlelight service> Synonyms ceremonial, ceremony, form, rite, observance, ritual, solemnityRelated Words amenities, civility, decorum, etiquette, graces, proprieties; protocol; convention, custom, habit, manners, mores, practice (also practise), standard, tradition, way; celebration, service