formality

noun
UK: /fɔːˈmæləti/
US: /fɔːrˈmæləti/

  1. The quality of being formal or following rules and customs.

    1. The formality of the event made me nervous.
    2. There was a certain formality to the occasion that I wasn't used to; it felt strange.

  2. A thing done simply to obey a rule or custom, often without real meaning.

    1. The signature was just a formality to complete the process.
    2. Attending the meeting was a mere formality, as the decision had already been made beforehand.

  3. Behavior or dress that is serious and correct.

    1. The teacher insisted on formality in the classroom.
    2. Despite the casual atmosphere, a degree of formality was maintained throughout the conference.

Synonyms

convention etiquette protocol custom decorum procedure ceremony

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "formality" in English means: The quality of being formal or following rules and customs., A thing done simply to obey a rule or custom, often without real meaning., Behavior or dress that is serious and correct..

The phonetic transcription of "formality" is /fɔːˈmæləti/ in British English and /fɔːrˈmæləti/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "formality": convention, etiquette, protocol, custom, decorum, procedure, ceremony.

Example usage of "formality": "The formality of the event made me nervous.". More examples on the page.