formality Hear it!

formality Definition

for·mal·ity (fôr malə 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. -·ties a formal or conventional act or requirement; ceremony or form, often without practical meaning

Etymology: Fr formalité

formality Synonyms

formality

n.

  1. Propriety

    decorum, etiquette, correctness; see behavior 1, decorum.

  2. Custom

    rule, convention, conventionality; see ceremony 2, custom 2. See syn. study at ceremony.

formality Usage Examples

Preposition: of

  • wedding: Here you should decide first on the theme and then on the formality of the wedding you've always wanted to have.

Converse of object

  • observe: Members decided to observe the formality of reappointing the current auditor in order to meet its statutory mandate.
  • complete: He is expected at Pride Park on Monday to complete formalities.
  • require: The rules go on to set out the formalities required to make an offer a Part 36 offer.
  • avoid: Documentation: In order to avoid bureaucratic formalities in Sri Lanka, an International Driving Permit should be obtained before departure.
  • seem: A punt seemed a formality, but the ball was snapped directly to Barry Murphy who successfully converted for a first down.
  • involve: In theory, the solicitor's responsibility is to make sure that the all the legal formalities involved in conveyancing are observed.

Adjective modifier

  • mere: What can keep your prayers from becoming mere formalities?
  • procedural: The settlement remains conditional for a short time pending certain procedural formalities.
  • required: The changes will come into force on Saturday, 1st April 2006, after the required legal formalities have been undertaken.
  • legal: Are there any legal formalities with which we need to comply?
  • minimal: Passing through the border check-point with minimal formalities, we were confronted by a spectacular display of drill by a ceremonial guard.
  • corporate: Companies Incorporated provides a list of corporate formalities for clients who utilize our service to incorporate in Washington.

Modifies a noun

  • requirement: Unlike express trusts, resulting trusts are exempt from the formality requirements of the Law of Property Act 1925 s.53.

Noun used with modifier

  • LLC: Companies Incorporated provides a list of LLC formalities for clients who utilize our service to form an Oklahoma Limited Liability Company.
  • immigration: The Immigration formalities at the border also took some time.
  • custom: Presentation of such certificates should speed up customs formalities.
  • import: Import Customs formalities are complicated but should take no longer than a month to complete.
  • border: Return to the ship and after Cambodian border formalities cruise up the broad Mekong channel.
  • registration: The employe will be required to co-operate in the registration formalities.
formality Quotes

Give me a lover bold and free, Not eunuched with formality.

—Cleveland,John

Browse dictionary entries near formality

  1. formalism
  2. formalin
  3. formaldehyde
  4. formal logic
  5. formal
  6. -form
  7. Form S-8
  8. form letter
  9. form genus
  10. form-fitting
  1. formalize
  2. formally
  3. formalwear
  4. formant
  5. format
  6. Format-String Attacks
  7. formate
  8. formation
  9. formative
  10. formed