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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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