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For·mal·i·ty

/fôrˈmalədē/

noun
- 1. the rigid observance of rules of convention or etiquette: "he retained the formality of his social background"
- ▪ stiffness of behavior or style: "with disconcerting formality the brothers shook hands" Similar ceremonyceremoniousnessritualconventionalityred tapeprotocoldecorumstatelinesscourtlinesssolemnityetiquettealoofnessreserveremotenessdetachmentunapproachabilitystand-offishnessstiffnessprimnessstuffinessstaidnesscorrectnessdecorumpunctiliousnessinflexibilityreticencetaciturnityantisocial natureOpposite informalityinformality
- ▪ a thing that is done simply to comply with requirements of etiquette, regulations, or custom: "legal formalities" Similar official procedureruleregulationconventionritualcustommatter of formformal gesturebureaucracyred tapepaperworkformpunctilioprotocol
- ▪ something that is done as a matter of course and without question; an inevitability: "her saying no was just a formality, and both of them knew it" Similar routineroutine practicenormal procedurematter of courseforegone conclusioninevitabilitycertaintyracing certaintyinformal:sure thingOpposite exceptional measurepossibilityunlikely possibility
Word Origin mid 16th century (in the sense ‘accordance with legal rules or conventions’): from French formalité or medieval Latin formalitas, from formalis (see formal).
Scrabble Points: 17
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What does formality mean?
The meaning of FORMALITY is compliance with formal or conventional rules : ceremony. How to use formality in a sentence. Did you know?

Formality Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

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What does formalit mean?
F . formalit [' e ].] 1. The condition or quality of being formal, strictly ceremonious, precise, etc . [ 1913 Webster ] 2. Form without substance . [ 1913 Webster ] Such [ books] as are mere pieces of formality, so that if you look on them, you look though them . -- Fuller . [ 1913 Webster ] 3.

formality 的中文翻譯 | 英漢字典

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What does observe the formalities mean?
observe the formalities We'll have to observe the formalities (= do what is expected). 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. [ C ] There were only a few legal formalities to be finished, and he would be free to leave the country.

FORMALITY | definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary

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What does formality mean in etiquette?
Formality also means to align with customs or etiquette. In this way, a formality is often something that's more symbolic than necessary. For example, when a big group sits down to eat dinner together, no one starts eating until everyone is served. That formality of dining etiquette is a sign of good manners and consideration for others.

Formality - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms | Vocabulary.com

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www.merriam-webster.com › dictionary › formalityFormality Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

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Formality is the quality or state of being formal, compliance with formal or conventional rules, or an established form or procedure that is required or conventional. See synonyms, examples, history, and usage of the word formality in sentences and contexts.
www.dictionary.com › browse › formalityFORMALITY Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com

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Formality is the condition or quality of being formal, conventional, or ceremonious. Learn how to use this word in a sentence, see its origin and related terms, and take a quiz to test your knowledge.
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dictionary.cambridge.org › english › formalityFORMALITY | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary

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Formality is something that has to be done but has no real importance, or the quality of being suitable for serious or official occasions. Learn more about the meaning, usage and examples of formality in English with Cambridge Dictionary.
dictionary.cambridge.org › english › formalityFORMALITY | definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary

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Learn the meaning of formality as a noun in English, with synonyms, antonyms, and usage examples. Find out how to use formality in different contexts, such as legal, official, or casual situations.
www.vocabulary.com › dictionary › formalityFormality - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms | Vocabulary.com

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A formality is something that follows traditional rules. Even though you knew your request for time off at work would be approved, you still went through the formality of filling out all the required paperwork. Formality also means to align with customs or etiquette. In this way, a formality is often something that's more symbolic than necessary.
www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com › us › definitionformality noun - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and ...

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Learn the meaning of formality as a noun, with pictures, pronunciation and usage notes. Find out how to use formality in different situations, such as legal processes, social events and academic contexts.
www.collinsdictionary.com › english › formalityFORMALITY definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary

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2 days ago · Formality is the quality or state of being formal, or a requirement of rule, custom, etiquette, etc. It can also mean the condition or quality of being formal, or a strict or excessive observance of form, ceremony, etc. See synonyms, examples and pronunciation of formality.