for ‧ mal ‧ i ‧ ty /fɔːˈmæləti, fɔːˈmælɪti $ fɔːr-/ BrE AmE noun ( plural formalities )
[ Word Family: noun : ↑ formality ≠ ↑ informality , ↑ formalization ; verb : ↑ formalize ; adverb : ↑ formally ≠ ↑ informally ; adjective : ↑ formal ≠ ↑ informal ]
1 . [countable usually plural] something that you must do as a formal or official part of an activity or process:
the formalities necessary for a valid marriage
2 . [countable usually singular] something you must do even though it has no practical importance or effects
just/only/merely etc a formality
Getting a gun license here seems to be just a formality.
3 . [uncountable] careful attention to polite behaviour and language in formal situations OPP informality :
There is always some degree of formality when one speaks to a stranger.
The loan was arranged with little formality.