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Meaning & use

formalities

noun·Academic

Last updated

UK/fɔːˈmælətiz/
US/fɔːrˈmælətiz/

“formalities” is a form of “formality”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.

Meanings

  1. nounplural

    Official steps or rules that have to be followed, such as signing forms or showing identification.

    Grammar: Plural form of formality: complete the formalities.

    Patterns

    • complete the formalities
    • go through the formalities

    We finished the legal formalities in under an hour.

    Customs formalities at the airport were quick.

    Before the wedding, the couple dealt with the paperwork and formalities.

  2. nounplural

    Polite, careful behavior and customs expected at serious or ceremonial occasions.

    Grammar: Often with the: observe the formalities.

    Patterns

    • observe the formalities
    • dispense with the formalities

    Let's skip the formalities and use first names.

    The ambassador observed every formality at the dinner.

    After the formalities, the real discussion began.

Word forms

singularformality

Common combinations

legal formalities
The lawyers handled the legal formalities.
dispense with the formalities
Let's dispense with the formalities and get started.
observe the formalities
The guests observed the usual formalities.
go through the formalities
We went through the formalities at the border.
complete the formalities
Please complete the formalities at the front desk.

Synonyms and how they differ

procedures
Procedures focus on the steps of how a task is done, while formalities suggest steps that are required but often routine.
paperwork
Paperwork refers specifically to documents, whereas formalities can include spoken ceremony.
protocol
Protocol is a set of strict rules for official or diplomatic behavior, which is narrower than formalities.
etiquette
Etiquette is about polite social manners, while formalities may be legal or bureaucratic.

Opposites

informality

Word family

formality noun
singular; a required step, or a stiff manner
formal adjective
following strict rules or correct style
formally adverb
officially or in a serious way
formalize verb
to make official

Commonly confused: formalities or formulas?

formalities vs formulas

Formulas are fixed recipes or equations, while formalities are required official steps or polite customs.

Practice

After the ____ were done, the new owners received the keys.

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