formality

/fɔːˈmæləti/ (bre, ipa) · /fɔːrˈmæləti/ (ame, ipa) · /fȯr-ˈma-lə-tē/ (ame, mw)

formality — 名詞

  • formalitysingular
  • formalitiesplural

1. an action or step that people go through as part of normal procedure but which c

1.名詞C1
釋義

形式；過場

走過場、無實質意義的步驟

an action or step that people go through as part of normal procedure but which carries no real importance and changes nothing.

例句

Lan was told the second interview was just a formality before they signed her contract.

Lan 被告知第二次面試只是個例行手續，之後就會簽合約。

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.

在大門口簽訪客登記簿只是個形式，但警衛還是堅持要訪客簽。

collocation: mere formality

同義詞
  • 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

❌The exam was just a formality, so I studied hard for it.
✅The exam was just a formality, so I didn't worry about it.
💡'just a formality' implies the outcome is not in doubt, so studying hard contradicts the meaning.

2. a step you are legally or officially required to complete before something becom

2.名詞C1
釋義

手續；程序

法律或官方規定必須完成的步驟

a step you are legally or officially required to complete before something becomes valid, such as signing papers or showing identity documents.

例句

Adina had to go through several formalities at the embassy before her visa was issued.

Adina 在大使館辦完幾項手續，才拿到簽證。

collocation: go through formalities

Buying property in Tokyo involves many legal formalities that can take weeks to complete.

在東京買房子要走許多法律程序，可能要花好幾週才能辦完。

collocation: legal formalities

同義詞
  • procedure

    neutral; any series of steps to do something

  • paperwork

    informal; emphasises the documents involved

  • red tape

    negative; suggests excessive or slow bureaucracy

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

❌I need to do the formality for my new passport.
✅I need to complete the formalities for my new passport.
💡this sense almost always takes the plural 'formalities'.

3. the quality of behaving, dressing, or speaking in a serious and correct way that

3.名詞C1
釋義

正式；拘謹

嚴肅、合乎禮節的舉止或氣氛

the quality of behaving, dressing, or speaking in a serious and correct way that fits ceremonies, official events, or strangers.

例句

Felix greeted the ambassador with the formality expected at a state dinner.

Felix 以國宴應有的正式態度向大使致意。

collocation: with formality

The temple ceremony was conducted with a quiet formality that moved every visitor in the hall.

寺廟典禮以一種安靜的莊重氣氛進行，讓在場的每位訪客都深受感動。

同義詞
  • ceremony

    ceremony implies a specific ritual; formality is the general manner

  • decorum

    formal; correct social behaviour

  • stiffness

    negative; suggests the formality feels uncomfortable

反義詞

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.

常見錯誤

❌He spoke with a formality.
✅He spoke with formality.
💡this sense is uncountable; do not use the article 'a'.