formality

UK: /fɔː^rˈmælɪti/ US: /fɔrˈmælɪti/ ,(fôr mal′i tē)

Inflections of 'formality' (n): npl: formalities

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

for•mal•i•ty /fɔrˈmælɪti/   n., pl. -ties. 

1. the condition or quality of being formal;
   conventionality:
   [uncountable] too much formality in the office.
2. an established order or method of proceeding:
   [countable] the formalities of the court process.
3. a formal act or observance:
   [countable] The receiving line was a necessary formality at the wedding.

See -form-.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

for•mal•i•ty  (fôr mal′i tē), n., pl. -ties. 

1. condition or quality of being formal;
   accordance with required or traditional rules, procedures, etc.;
   conventionality.
2. rigorously methodical character.
3. strict adherence to established rules and procedures;
   rigidity.
4. observance of form or ceremony.
5. marked or excessive ceremoniousness.
6. an established order or method of proceeding:
   the formalities of judicial process.
7. a formal act or observance.
8. something done merely or mainly for form's sake;
   a requirement of custom or etiquette:
   the formality of a thank-you note.

• Latin fōrmālitās. See formal¹, -ity
• 1525–35

Synonyms

• 7. rite, ritual, ceremony.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

formality / fɔːˈmælɪtɪ/ noun ( -ties)

1. a requirement of rule, custom, etiquette, etc
2. the condition or quality of being formal or conventional
3. strict or excessive observance of form, ceremony, etc