formality

== English == === Etymology === From Middle French formalité. equivalent to formal +‎ -ity. === Pronunciation === IPA(key): /fɔːrˈmælɪti/ (Indic) IPA(key): /ˈfɔ(r)mal(ɪ)ʈi/ Rhymes: -ælɪti === Noun === formality (countable and uncountable, plural formalities) (uncountable) The state of being formal. Something said or done as a matter of form. A customary ritual without substance, real consequence, or unique meaning. (countable) A specific requirement for obtaining a legal status, conducting a transaction, etc. ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Translations ==== ==== Further reading ==== “formality”, in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, Springfield, Mass.: G. & C. Merriam, 1913, →OCLC. William Dwight Whitney, Benjamin E[li] Smith, editors (1911), “formality”, in The Century Dictionary […], New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., →OCLC. “formality”, in OneLook Dictionary Search.