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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Formality: Definition, Usage & Key Examples (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：official procedure (formality)

formality 🔊

/fɔːrˈmæləti/

the official steps or paperwork you need to complete to get something done according to rules, like signing a contract.

Formality illustration: signing official documents as a required procedure.

official procedure 🔊

➕

/əˈfɪʃl prəˈsiːdʒər/

Refers to the set of required steps or documents that must be completed to comply with rules or regulations.

📁 Category：Laws & Regulations 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'forma' (form, shape) + '-ity' (state/quality).

💡 Mnemonic

Form + ality: Imagine a form that must be filled as a mandatory step.

📖 Example

Don't worry about the job offer, signing the contract is just a formality now. 🔊 Don't worry about the job offer, signing the contract is merely a procedural step now.

🔗 Collocations

mere formality – something that is only a procedural requirement without real substance

legal formality – a procedure required by law

complete the formality – to finish the necessary official steps

🔄 Synonyms

procedure (n.) – a series of actions conducted in a certain order

form (n.) – a document or set of requirements to be filled out

protocol (n.) – the official procedure or system of rules

🚫 Antonyms

informality (n.) – lack of ceremony or formality

simplicity (n.) – the quality of being easy or straightforward

🌱 Derivatives

formal (adj.) – following rules or conventions strictly

formally (adv.) – in a formal manner

📖 Cultural Story

Derived from Latin 'formalis' meaning 'of a form'. In modern English, it refers to adherence to prescribed forms in official or social contexts, such as legal procedures or polite customs.

Meaning 2：social courtesy (formality)

formality 🔊

/fɔːrˈmæləti/

something you do to be polite or follow social customs, like shaking hands, even if it's not strictly necessary.

social courtesy 🔊

➕

/ˈsoʊʃl ˈkɜːrtəsi/

Refers to an act performed out of politeness or to adhere to social norms, often without being essential.

📁 Category：Social Roles 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

Sending a thank-you note after the interview is a common formality that shows your good manners. 🔊 Sending a thank-you note after the interview is a customary polite gesture that demonstrates good manners.

🔗 Collocations

polite formality – a courteous act done to show respect

social formality – a custom or practice in social interactions

observe formalities – to follow the customary rules of behavior

🔄 Synonyms

courtesy (n.) – polite behavior or gesture

etiquette (n.) – the customary code of polite behavior in society

protocol (n.) – the code of ceremonial forms and courtesies

🚫 Antonyms

informality (n.) – casualness or lack of formality

rudeness (n.) – lack of politeness or respect

🌱 Derivatives

formal (adj.) – following rules or conventions strictly

formally (adv.) – in a formal manner