Formality
noun
The condition of being formal or official.
The formality of the situation made him feel uncomfortable.
Often appears as...
- strict formality
- unnecessary formality
noun
A thing that is done because it is usual or required, but has no real meaning or importance.
Considering him as the next chairman is just a formality.
Often appears as...
- mere formality
- go through the formality
noun
The following of traditional or established rules or style, especially in language or art.
Her works are known for their strict formality of composition.
Often appears as...
- strict formality
- artistic formality
Usage tips
Academic
noun
The condition of being formal or official.
The formality of the situation made him feel uncomfortable.
Often appears as...
- strict formality
- unnecessary formality
noun
A thing that is done because it is usual or required, but has no real meaning or importance.
Considering him as the next chairman is just a formality.
Often appears as...
- mere formality
- go through the formality
noun
The following of traditional or established rules or style, especially in language or art.
Her works are known for their strict formality of composition.
Often appears as...
- strict formality
- artistic formality
Usage tips
Academic
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Context Sensitive
Adjust 'formality' level based on context, like casual or business settings.
He spoke with greater formality when addressing the board.
Pro Tip 2/3Cultural Variance
Note that formality standards differ between cultures and languages.
In Japan, the formality in communication is typically higher.
Pro Tip 3/3Nonverbal Cues
'Formality' also applies to dress and behavior, not just speech.
The formality of the event required a suit and tie.
Pro Tip 1/3Context Sensitive
Adjust 'formality' level based on context, like casual or business settings.
He spoke with greater formality when addressing the board.
Pro Tip 2/3Cultural Variance
Note that formality standards differ between cultures and languages.
In Japan, the formality in communication is typically higher.
Pro Tip 3/3Nonverbal Cues
'Formality' also applies to dress and behavior, not just speech.
The formality of the event required a suit and tie.
Pro Tip 1/3Context Sensitive
Adjust 'formality' level based on context, like casual or business settings.
He spoke with greater formality when addressing the board.
Pro Tip 2/3Cultural Variance
Note that formality standards differ between cultures and languages.
In Japan, the formality in communication is typically higher.
Pro Tip 3/3Nonverbal Cues
'Formality' also applies to dress and behavior, not just speech.
The formality of the event required a suit and tie.
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Video examples
One of the most...
without knowing a lot more about the situation where it's being said. To start with, how familiar are you with the person you're talking to? Many cultures have different levels of formality. A close friend, someone much older or much younger, a stranger, a boss.
Video examples
What if a US presidential...
You just never think about it, because for so many generations, these extra innings haven't mattered much because the election-night loser just concedes. So this other stuff is just a formality. Even in 2000, vice president Al Gore gave up
Video examples
Børge Ousland: Breaking...
met said that this station is abandoned there is no people there but when we came there we saw people not only a few there was a whole community living there we were after a few formalities which is normal when you enter one of
Video examples
In Search of the Giant...
granted with the formalities over tomorrow the real work can begin
Video examples
One of the most...
without knowing a lot more about the situation where it's being said. To start with, how familiar are you with the person you're talking to? Many cultures have different levels of formality. A close friend, someone much older or much younger, a stranger, a boss.
Video examples
What if a US presidential...
You just never think about it, because for so many generations, these extra innings haven't mattered much because the election-night loser just concedes. So this other stuff is just a formality. Even in 2000, vice president Al Gore gave up
Video examples
Børge Ousland: Breaking...
met said that this station is abandoned there is no people there but when we came there we saw people not only a few there was a whole community living there we were after a few formalities which is normal when you enter one of
Video examples
In Search of the Giant...
granted with the formalities over tomorrow the real work can begin
Example 1 of 4
Quote examples
Fawad Khan
Pakistani Actor
From the time I've landed in India and wherever I've travelled, I've only experienced politeness and courtesy. There has been no hatred whatsoever. But I strongly feel every country has its formalities and rules that one has to abide by. I believe in respecting that, as it is in the best interests of everyone.
Quote examples
Ezekiel Emanuel
American Scientist
My father always has been attractive because of his energy, warmth, charm, and talent for finding some connection with people from all cultures and walks of life. He rarely observed social formalities and niceties - something he has passed on to his boys.
Quote examples
Suzanne Vega
American Musician
Sometimes I listen to songs by very smart writers who assume that the world is a civil place with certain formalities that people follow, but I don't see things that way. My own experience tells me that life is not like that.
Quote examples
Mandira Bedi
Indian Actress
Until the legal formalities are completed, one is not supposed to make it public. When a child comes home, he/she is considered to be in foster care for the first month; the legal procedures begin after that.
Quote examples
Robert Baden-Powell
English Soldier
In assisting his 'neighbour' every day to the best of his ability, and keeping truth, honesty, and kindness perpetually before him, the Boy Scout, with as little formality as possible, is pleasing God.
Quote examples
Radha Mitchell
Australian Actress
We've become much more casual and much more relaxed in social interactions, where there was a formality and maybe a kind of respect at that time that doesn't exist now.
Quote examples
Erma Bombeck
American Journalist
When your mother asks, 'Do you want a piece of advice?' it is a mere formality. It doesn't matter if you answer yes or no. You're going to get it anyway.
Quote examples
Mohamedou Ould Slahi
Maybe I'm stupid, I don't know. I went to the police and said, 'Why do you want me?' They said, 'Please don't worry, it is just formalities.
Quote examples
Werner Herzog
German Director
I despise formal restaurants. I find all of that formality to be very base and vile. I would much rather eat potato chips on the sidewalk.
Quote examples
Noah Emmerich
American Actor
In the modern world there's no such thing as formality. A dinner jacket used to mean a tuxedo, you know?
Quote examples
Fawad Khan
Pakistani Actor
From the time I've landed in India and wherever I've travelled, I've only experienced politeness and courtesy. There has been no hatred whatsoever. But I strongly feel every country has its formalities and rules that one has to abide by. I believe in respecting that, as it is in the best interests of everyone.
Quote examples
Ezekiel Emanuel
American Scientist
My father always has been attractive because of his energy, warmth, charm, and talent for finding some connection with people from all cultures and walks of life. He rarely observed social formalities and niceties - something he has passed on to his boys.
Quote examples
Suzanne Vega
American Musician
Sometimes I listen to songs by very smart writers who assume that the world is a civil place with certain formalities that people follow, but I don't see things that way. My own experience tells me that life is not like that.
Quote examples
Mandira Bedi
Indian Actress
Until the legal formalities are completed, one is not supposed to make it public. When a child comes home, he/she is considered to be in foster care for the first month; the legal procedures begin after that.
Quote examples
Robert Baden-Powell
English Soldier
In assisting his 'neighbour' every day to the best of his ability, and keeping truth, honesty, and kindness perpetually before him, the Boy Scout, with as little formality as possible, is pleasing God.
Quote examples
Radha Mitchell
Australian Actress
We've become much more casual and much more relaxed in social interactions, where there was a formality and maybe a kind of respect at that time that doesn't exist now.
Quote examples
Erma Bombeck
American Journalist
When your mother asks, 'Do you want a piece of advice?' it is a mere formality. It doesn't matter if you answer yes or no. You're going to get it anyway.
Quote examples
Mohamedou Ould Slahi
Maybe I'm stupid, I don't know. I went to the police and said, 'Why do you want me?' They said, 'Please don't worry, it is just formalities.
Quote examples
Werner Herzog
German Director
I despise formal restaurants. I find all of that formality to be very base and vile. I would much rather eat potato chips on the sidewalk.
Quote examples
Noah Emmerich
American Actor
In the modern world there's no such thing as formality. A dinner jacket used to mean a tuxedo, you know?
Example 1 of 10
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