/fɔːrˈmæləti/
for·mal·ity
BrE /fɔːˈmæləti/
NAmE /fɔːrˈmæləti/
(
plural
for·mal·ities)
[C, usually pl.]
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
Let’s skip the formalities and get down to business.
[C, usually singular]
a thing that you must do as part of an official process, but which has little meaning and will not affect what happens
He already knows he has the job so the interview is a mere formality.
[U]
correct and formal behaviour
Different levels of formality are appropriate in different situations.
She greeted him with stiff formality.