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1. Dictionary

   formality

   /fəˈmalɪti/

   noun

   • 1. the rigid observance of convention or etiquette: "the formality of life in an English public school"
   • ▪ strictly conventional behaviour: "with disconcerting formality the brothers shook hands" Similar ceremonyceremoniousnessritualconventionalityred tapeprotocoldecorumstatelinesscourtlinesssolemnityetiquettealoofnessreserveremotenessdetachmentunapproachabilitystand-offishnessstiffnessprimnessstuffinessstaidnesscorrectnessdecorumpunctiliousnessinflexibilityreticencetaciturnityantisocial natureOpposite informalityinformality
   • ▪ a thing that is done simply to comply with convention, regulations, or custom: "legal formalities" Similar official procedureruleregulationconventionritualcustommatter of formformal gesturebureaucracyred tapepaperworkformpunctilioprotocol
   • ▪ something done or happening as a matter of course and without question: "promotion looks a formality" Similar routineroutine practicenormal procedurematter of courseforegone conclusioninevitabilitycertaintyracing certaintyinformal:sure thingOpposite exceptional measurepossibilityunlikely possibility

   Word Origin mid 16th century (in the sense ‘accordance with legal rules or conventions’): from French formalité or medieval Latin formalitas, from formalis (see formal).

   Scrabble Points: 17

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