26984 words

formality

8 definitions • 12 examples
1
something that has to be done but has no real importance:

Examples:

be just a formality You'll have to sign the visitors' book, but it's just a formality.
2
something that the law or an official process says must be done:

Examples:

observe the formalities We'll have to observe the formalities (= do what is expected).
3
the quality of being suitable for serious or official occasions:

Examples:

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.
4
something done because it follows the usual or accepted way of doing things, although it may not be important:

Examples:

[ 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.
5
Formality is also formal behavior or appearance.
6
something official that must be done before something else can happen or be done:

Examples:

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.
7
something that must be done but that is unlikely to affect an agreement that has already been made:

Examples:

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.
8

Examples:

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

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