formality
how formal something is
the quality or degree of being formal in language, behavior, or appearance, especially in contrast to a relaxed or friendly style
polite rules that people follow in formal situations
the observance of conventional rules of politeness and etiquette, especially when these rules create distance or seem unnecessarily strict
a step you do only because it is required
a required action or procedure, especially an official one, that has little practical importance and is done mainly because rules require it
official steps and documents that are required
the official rules, procedures, and paperwork required for an event or action, especially in legal or government contexts (often used in the plural)
polite greetings people say before getting to business
polite, conventional remarks or greetings exchanged at the start of a formal conversation (often used in the plural)
- Base: formality
- Plural: formalities, formality
a mere formality
1required step, not important
something you do only because rules say so
- 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.
- The final signature is a mere formality.
dispense with the formalities
1Skip polite social rituals
to skip the usual polite or official things, like long introductions or thanks, and go straight to the main point
- 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
1skip polite or official steps
skip the formal steps
- 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
1say polite greetings first
say polite greetings before talking about business
- 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.
- We exchanged the usual formalities and sat down.
go through the formalities
1complete required official steps
do the required official steps
- 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.
- We must go through the formalities first.
without further formality
1immediately, without more procedure
without doing any more official steps
- 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.