The meaning of FORMALITY is compliance with formal or conventional rules : ceremony. How to use formality in a sentence. Did you know?

A formality is an established procedure or set of specific behaviors and utterances, conceptually similar to a ritual although typically secular and less involved.

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

FORMALITY definition: condition or quality of being formal; accordance with required or traditional rules, procedures, etc.; conventionality. See examples of formality used in a sentence.

If you say that an action or procedure is just a formality, you mean that it is done only because it is normally done, and that it will not have any real effect on the situation.

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 …

There are 14 meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun formality, seven of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

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.

for•mal•i•ty (fôr mal′ i tē), n., pl. -ties. conventionality. rigorously methodical character. rigidity. observance of form or ceremony. marked or excessive ceremoniousness. an established order or …

FORMALITY meaning: 1 : a formal quality; 2 : something that is required or usual but that has little true meaning or importance