formality
English · Thesaurus
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formality
- /fɔːrˈmælɪti/
Rhymes with -ælɪti
Where it comes from
From Middle French formalité. equivalent to formal + -ity.
noun formalities
- The state of being formal. [S]uch an one […] recalls as a vision of Paradise the land he has learnt to love; he exaggerates the insalubrity of a northern climate; he bewails the wretched formality of our civilised life, and so, back to the distant solitudes flies his recollection like a dove to the wilderness.
- Something said or done as a matter of form.
- A customary ritual without substance, real consequence, or unique meaning. The examination for priesthood is no mere formality, so we have to study well.
- A specific requirement for obtaining a legal status, conducting a transaction, etc. I expected some sort of formality before they let me see the crown—so valuable—but there was really nothing at all. I just said, "Can I see No. 64, please?" and he simply pulled one of the shallow drawers out of its case and put it down before me on the table.
Thesaurus
Closest in meaning: formalness, formal, formalism, procedure, routine, shape, process, arrangement, ceremony, requirement, wording, modality, form, ritual, solicitation, technicality
Translations
Every language
noun The state of being formal
| Español | formalidad |
|---|---|
| Français | formalité |
| Русский | форма́льность formálʹnostʹ |
noun A customary ritual without new or unique meaning
| Deutsch | Formalität |
|---|---|
| العربية | شَكْلِيَّة šakliyya |
noun specific requirement
| Español | formalidad |
|---|---|
| Français | formalité |
| Русский | форма́льность formálʹnostʹ |
Talk about this word "formality." Wiktionary, via Micwyn, micwyn.com/word/formality. Accessed 6 Nov. 2026. formality. (n.d.). In Wiktionary, via Micwyn. Retrieved November 6, 2026, from https://micwyn.com/word/formality "formality." Wiktionary, via Micwyn. Accessed November 6, 2026. https://micwyn.com/word/formality.Cite this
@misc{formality_2026,
title = {formality},
howpublished = {Wiktionary, via Micwyn},
year = {2026},
url = {https://micwyn.com/word/formality},
urldate = {2026-11-06}
}
