pro forma

Synonym discussion

Sense: phrase/1

For phrase sense 1, pro forma, perfunctory, token, and routine can all describe actions that seem slight, but they are not the same. Pro forma is the most formal and usually points to procedure: someone signs, asks, or apologizes because the rules expect it. Perfunctory stresses a lack of care or interest in how the action is carried out. Token describes something small and symbolic, often offered only to show that some response happened. Routine simply means regular or habitual and may carry little criticism by itself. A manager might make a pro forma apology, give a perfunctory answer, offer token support, or follow a routine check before opening the shop.

Common collocations

Etymology

From Latin pro, meaning 'for', and forma, meaning 'form'. English kept the Latin phrase together and first used it for standard forms or model documents. Later it broadened to actions done only because procedure requires them, and in modern business it can also describe financial figures worked out from assumed conditions rather than finished results.