formality

8 definitions • 12 examples

something that has to be done but has no real importance:

be just a formality You'll have to sign the visitors' book, but it's just a formality.

something that the law or an official process says must be done:

observe the formalities We'll have to observe the formalities (= do what is expected).

the quality of being suitable for serious or official occasions:

She found the formality of the occasion rather daunting.

A note of formality in his voice alerted her to the fact that others were listening.

something done because it follows the usual or accepted way of doing things, although it may not be important:

[ C ] There were only a few legal formalities to be finished, and he would be free to leave the country.

[ C ] It was just a mere formality.

Formality is also formal behavior or appearance.

something official that must be done before something else can happen or be done:

It is essential to observe all the formalities when setting up a business.

complete/go through the formalities (of sth) This should be a means of injecting share capital into a company without going through the formalities of a share issue.

Approval of the documents is a legal formality.

something that must be done but that is unlikely to affect an agreement that has already been made:

little more than/only/merely a formality There are still some details to be sorted out, but I believe it's only a formality.

Background checks often are a mere formality in the hiring process.

formal writing, behaviour, etc. that is suitable in important or official situations:

The bank says its business overdrafts are arranged with a minimum of formality and fuss.