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1. Dictionary

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

   www.merriam-webster.com › dictionary › formality

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   1. : compliance with formal or conventional rules : ceremony. 2. : the quality or state of being formal. 3. : an established form or procedure that is required or conventional. the interview was just a formality.

3. www.dictionary.com › browse › formalityFORMALITY Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com

   www.dictionary.com › browse › formality

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   noun. a requirement of rule, custom, etiquette, etc. the condition or quality of being formal or conventional. strict or excessive observance of form, ceremony, etc. an established, proper, or conventional method, act, or procedure.

4. dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › englishFORMALITY | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary

   dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › english

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   FORMALITY definition: 1. something that has to be done but has no real importance: 2. something that the law or an…. Learn more.

5. www.vocabulary.com › dictionary › formalityFormality - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms | Vocabulary.com

   www.vocabulary.com › dictionary › formality

   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.

6. dictionary.cambridge.org › us › dictionaryFORMALITY | definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary

   dictionary.cambridge.org › us › dictionary

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   FORMALITY meaning: 1. something that has to be done but has no real importance: 2. something that the law or an…. Learn more.

7. www.collinsdictionary.com › dictionary › englishFORMALITY definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary

   www.collinsdictionary.com › dictionary › english

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   Formality is speech or behaviour which is correct and serious, rather than relaxed and friendly, and is used especially in official situations.

8. www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com › us › definitionformality noun - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage...

   www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com › us › definition

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   formality. noun. /fɔːˈmæləti/. /fɔːrˈmæləti/. (plural formalities) [countable, usually plural] a thing that you must do as a formal or official part of a legal process, a social situation, etc. to go through all the formalities necessary in order to get a gun licence.

9. dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › learner-englishFORMALITY | meaning - Cambridge Learner's Dictionary

   dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › learner-english

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   FORMALITY definition: 1. something that the law or an official process says must be done: 2. formal and polite…. Learn more.

10. www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com › us › definitionformality noun - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage...

    www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com › us › definition

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    formality. [countable, usually plural] a thing that you must do as a formal or official part of a legal process, a social situation, etc. to go through all the formalities necessary in order to get a gun license Let's skip the formalities and get down to business.

11. www.thefreedictionary.com › formalityFormality - definition of formality by The Free Dictionary

    www.thefreedictionary.com › formality

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    1. condition or quality of being formal; accordance with required or traditional rules, procedures, etc.; conventionality. 2. rigorously methodical character. 3. strict adherence to established rules and procedures; rigidity. 4. observance of form or ceremony. 5. marked or excessive ceremoniousness. 6. an established order or method of proceeding.