formalities

Variant of formality

formality definition

for·mal·ity (fôr mal′ə tē)

noun

  1. the quality or state of being formal; specif.,
    1. a following or observing of prescribed customs, rules, ceremonies, etc.; propriety
    2. careful or too careful attention to order, regularity, precision, or conventionality; stiffness
  2. pl. formalities -·ties a formal or conventional act or requirement; ceremony or form, often without practical meaning

Etymology: Fr formalité

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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