formality
pronunciation
How to pronounce formality in British English:
UK [fɔːˈmæləti]
How to pronounce formality in American English:
US [fɔːrˈmæləti]
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- Noun:
- a requirement of etiquette or custom
- a manner that strictly observes all forms and ceremonies
- compliance with formal rules
Word Origin
- formality (n.)
- 1530s, "agreement as to form," from formal + -ity or else from Middle French formalité (15c.) or Latin formitalitatem. Sense of "conformity to established rule" is from 1590s; meaning "something done for the sake of form" is from 1640s. Related: Formalities.
Example
- 1. Some of this is a matter of mere formality .
- 2. But don 't assume that formality is always the right answer .
- 3. Merger filings in china could be merely a formality ; or they could trigger significant delays of up to six months before approval is granted or refused .
- 4. Marriage certificates are an unnecessary and potentially expensive formality just to share health insurance .
- 5. The prime minister felt that he had to put his government to the test after he was humiliatingly defeated on what should have been a formality : the approval of the 2010 public accounts .