formality

C1 Topic:Abstract Ideas

US /fɔːrˈmælɪti/ See IPA manual

Freq #11558

Meanings

1

noun
Something done only because it is required by custom or rule, without real importance.

The interview was just a formality, since they had already chosen her.
2

noun
Careful, polite behaviour that follows accepted rules and customs.

The dinner was conducted with great formality.
3

noun
An official requirement or procedure that must be completed.

You must complete a few formalities before the loan is approved.

Thesaurus

Synonyms

2 noun · careful, polite behaviour... formalness

Word family

Forms formalities

Derived forms semiformality

Appears in

Phrases (1)

See all

mere formality
A required step that has little practical importance or whose outcome is already expected.

Adjective + noun

Etymology

From Middle French formalité. equivalent to formal + -ity.

Topics

Abstract Ideas Word Formation & Derivatives

External links

# formality

**Type:** Word
**Level:** C1
**Part of speech:** noun
**IPA (US):** /fɔːrˈmælɪti/
**Frequency rank:** 11558

## Meanings
1. Something done only because it is required by custom or rule, without real importance.
2. Careful, polite behaviour that follows accepted rules and customs.
3. An official requirement or procedure that must be completed.

## Examples
- The interview was just a formality, since they had already chosen her.
- The dinner was conducted with great formality.
- You must complete a few formalities before the loan is approved.

## Derived Forms
- semiformality

## Etymology
From Middle French formalité. equivalent to formal + -ity.

## AI Etymology
Formality is from Middle French formalité. equivalent to formal + -ity. The analysis is mainly morphological: the modern nominal form is built from the named base and affix. In present-day use, it can mean something done only because it is required by custom or rule, without real importance, or careful, polite behaviour that follows accepted rules and customs. Derived formations include semiformality.

## Topics
- Abstract Ideas
- Word Formation & Derivatives

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