formality
gb/fɔɹmˈæləti/ us/fɔɹmˈæləti/
B2
English
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B2
property
1
being formal in style
how formal something is
Usage pattern:
the formality of [something]; with [some] formality
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse formality (style) with form (shape) or formal (official).
Synonyms
formalness (a direct synonym, but less common and less natural in most contexts)
|
stiffness (suggests an uncomfortable or unfriendly kind of formality)
Antonyms
informality (a relaxed, casual style rather than a formal one)
|
casualness (emphasizes an easy, not-ceremonial manner)
Collocations
degree of formality
|level of formality
|a certain formality
|excessive formality
|social formality
|professional formality
|linguistic formality
|formal formality
|maintain formality
|reduce the formality
Themes
communication
|social_relations
|work
|writing
Examples
- The email strikes the right balance between friendliness and formality.
- In academic writing, a higher level of formality is usually expected.
- They dropped the formality once they got to know each other.
Learner examples
- Please use more formality in your letter.
- This meeting needs less formality.
Noun
C1
rule
2
ceremonious rules of behavior
polite rules that people follow in formal situations
Usage pattern:
avoid [the] formality; insist on [the] formality; an air of formality
Synonyms
ceremony (focuses on ritual or formal acts rather than overall style)
|
etiquette (emphasizes social rules and correct behavior)
Antonyms
familiarity (suggests a relaxed, friendly closeness rather than distance)
|
ease (a comfortable, unforced manner rather than ceremonious behavior)
Collocations
observe formality
|insist on formality
|unnecessary formality
|strict formality
|an air of formality
|a sense of formality
|social formality
|relax the formality
|the formality of the occasion
|keep the formality
Themes
social_relations
|culture
|etiquette
Examples
- There was a noticeable formality in the way he greeted his boss.
- They tried to avoid formality and keep the dinner relaxed.
- The formality of the setting made everyone speak more carefully.
Learner examples
- The party had too much formality.
- We want less formality at work.
Noun
C1
event
3
required step with little effect
a step you do only because it is required
Usage pattern:
a (mere) formality; as a formality
Synonyms
technicality (often implies a small rule that can be used to block or allow something)
|
requirement (more general and does not imply lack of real importance)
Antonyms
necessity (something truly needed, not just required on paper)
|
substance (real importance rather than outward procedure)
Collocations
a mere formality
|just a formality
|little more than a formality
|a legal formality
|an administrative formality
|a technical formality
|treat it as a formality
|complete the formality
|perform the formality
|sign as a formality
Themes
law
|government
|work
|procedures
Examples
- After the interview, the background check was a formality.
- The manager said the meeting was just a formality and the decision was already made.
- In many cases, the final signature is a mere formality.
Learner examples
- The test was only a formality.
- Signing here is a formality.
Noun
C1
process
4
official procedures and paperwork
official steps and documents that are required
Usage pattern:
the formalities of [something]; complete the formalities; go through the formalities
Common mistake:
Formalities is often plural when it means official procedures; singular formality more often means style or a single required step.
Synonyms
paperwork (emphasizes documents rather than the whole set of rules and procedures)
|
procedure (neutral term; does not necessarily suggest bureaucracy)
Antonyms
simplicity (lack of complicated official steps)
|
informality (absence of official or formal procedure)
Collocations
legal formalities
|official formalities
|administrative formalities
|complete the formalities
|handle the formalities
|fulfill the formalities
|the formalities of marriage
|passport formalities
|immigration formalities
|registration formalities
Themes
law
|government
|business
|bureaucracy
Examples
- After the ceremony, they stayed to complete the legal formalities.
- Airport immigration formalities took longer than expected.
- The company hired a lawyer to handle the formalities of the merger.
Learner examples
- We must finish the formalities first.
- The visa formalities were simple.
Noun
C1
abstract
5
polite phrases in formal talk
polite greetings people say before getting to business
Usage pattern:
exchange (the usual) formalities; after the formalities
Synonyms
pleasantries (more common and slightly warmer; not necessarily formal)
|
small talk (broader; can be informal and not limited to polite greetings)
Antonyms
directness (getting straight to the main point without polite preliminaries)
Collocations
exchange formalities
|the usual formalities
|after the formalities
|skip the formalities
|brief formalities
|social formalities
|awkward formalities
|polite formalities
|initial formalities
|finish the formalities
Themes
communication
|social_relations
Examples
- After a few formalities, they began discussing the contract.
- They exchanged the usual formalities and sat down.
- He hates office formalities and prefers to get straight to the point.
Learner examples
- After the formalities, we started the meeting.
Grammar
Dictionary form
formality
IPA
GB/fɔɹmˈæləti/
US/fɔɹmˈæləti/
Syllables & stress
form - al - ity (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (al)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: formality
- Plural: formalities, formality
Word family
Expressions
a mere formality
1/ə mˈɪɹ fɔɹmˈæləti/
fixed phrase
required step, not important
something you do only because rules say so
Examples
- The hearing was a mere formality; the deal had already been approved.
- After they agreed on the price, the contract was a mere formality.
- The interview felt like a mere formality because she already had the job.
dispense with the formalities
1/dɪspˈɛns wˈɪθ ðə fɔɹmˈælətiz/
fixed phrase
Skip polite social rituals
to skip the usual polite or official things, like long introductions or thanks, and go straight to the main point
Examples
- If you don't mind, I'll dispense with the formalities and get straight to the reason for my call.
- Since we're all friends here, let's dispense with the formalities and start eating.
dispense with the formalities
1/dɪspˈɛns wˈɪθ ðə fɔɹmˈælətiz/
fixed phrase
formal
skip polite or official steps
skip the formal steps
Examples
- To save time, the chair dispensed with the formalities and began the vote.
- They dispensed with the formalities and spoke frankly.
- In an emergency, you may be allowed to dispense with some of the usual formalities.
exchange the usual formalities
1/ɪkst͡ʃˈeɪnd͡ʒ ðə jˈuʒuəl fɔɹmˈælətiz/
fixed phrase
say polite greetings first
say polite greetings before talking about business
Examples
- They exchanged the usual formalities before discussing the complaint.
- After exchanging the usual formalities, he asked for an update on the project.
- The two leaders exchanged the usual formalities for the cameras.
go through the formalities
1/ɡˈoʊ θɹˈu ðə fɔɹmˈælətiz/
fixed phrase
complete required official steps
do the required official steps
Examples
- We went through the formalities and then collected the keys.
- They went through the legal formalities to finalize the adoption.
- After going through the formalities, the meeting moved to the main agenda.
without further formality
1/wɪðˈaʊt fˈɚðɚ fɔɹmˈæləti/
fixed phrase
formal
immediately, without more procedure
without doing any more official steps
Examples
- The motion was approved and, without further formality, the meeting ended.
- She was escorted from the building without further formality.
- If payment is not received, the contract may be terminated without further formality.