formality
/fɔːˈmæləti/ (bre, ipa) · /fɔːrˈmæləti/ (ame, ipa) · /fȯr-ˈma-lə-tē/ (ame, mw)
formality — noun
- formalitysingular
- formalitiesplural
1. an action or step that people go through as part of normal procedure but which c
an action or step that people go through as part of normal procedure but which carries no real importance and changes nothing.
Lan was told the second interview was just a formality before they signed her contract.
common phrase: just a formality (no real significance)
Signing the visitor book at the gate is a mere formality, but the security guard still insists on it.
collocation: mere formality
The board meeting felt like a formality because the directors had already agreed on the decision over lunch.
For Imran, the medical check at the office was a formality that took less than five minutes.
- ritual
ritual suggests a fixed habit; formality suggests an empty rule
- rubber stamp
informal; a decision approved without real review
文法句型
a + formality
just a formality
mere formality
用法筆記
Frequently appears in the phrases 'just a formality' and 'a mere formality' to play down the importance of an action. Distinguish from sense 2: this sense focuses on the lack of real consequence; sense 2 focuses on something that the rules require you to do.
常見錯誤
2. a step you are legally or officially required to complete before something becom
a step you are legally or officially required to complete before something becomes valid, such as signing papers or showing identity documents.
Adina had to go through several formalities at the embassy before her visa was issued.
collocation: go through formalities
Buying property in Tokyo involves many legal formalities that can take weeks to complete.
collocation: legal formalities
The customs officer asked Christopher to wait while he completed the entry formalities for the package.
Once the formalities are over, the new owners can move into the house tomorrow.
文法句型
go through the formalities
complete the formalities
用法筆記
Usually plural in this sense ('formalities'). Object collocations include legal / customs / entry / immigration / paperwork. Distinguish from sense 1: here the procedure is genuinely required for a transaction to take effect, even though it may feel bureaucratic.
常見錯誤
3. the quality of behaving, dressing, or speaking in a serious and correct way that
the quality of behaving, dressing, or speaking in a serious and correct way that fits ceremonies, official events, or strangers.
Felix greeted the ambassador with the formality expected at a state dinner.
collocation: with formality
The temple ceremony was conducted with a quiet formality that moved every visitor in the hall.
Camila found the formality of Japanese business meetings strange after years of working in casual Brazilian offices.
There was a stiff formality between the two neighbours, who had not spoken since the fence dispute.
- informality
the direct opposite
- casualness
relaxed everyday manner
文法句型
with formality
a sense of formality
用法筆記
Uncountable in this sense — do not say 'a formality' when you mean a formal manner. Often modified by adjectives like stiff / quiet / cold / polite to describe the flavour of the formal behaviour.