formality

CEFRC1

/fɔːrˈmælɪti/

noun

Türkçe translations

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In plain English

01
noun
A traditional action or rule required by custom or law.
02
noun
Extra detail
A customary ritual without substance, real consequence, or unique meaning.

Examples

At a glance

Sits at C1 on the CEFR scale

Deep Dive

Extra meanings

Something said or done as a matter of form.
The state of being formal.
A specific requirement for obtaining a legal status, conducting a transaction, etc.

In context

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The word in print, with each source given in full.

[S]uch an one […] recalls as a vision of Paradise the land he has learnt to love; he exaggerates the insalubrity of a northern climate; he bewails the wretched formality of our civilised life, and so, back to the distant solitudes flies his recollection like a dove to the wilderness.
1874, Georg August Schweinfurth, chapter I, in Ellen E. Frewer, transl., The Heart of Africa: Three Years' Travels and Adventures in the Unexplored Regions of Central Africa, from 1868 to 1871, second edition, volume I, London: Sampson Low, Marston, Low, And Searle, translation of Im Herzen von Afrika, Botanical Ardour
I expected some sort of formality before they let me see the crown—so valuable—but there was really nothing at all. I just said, "Can I see No. 64, please?" and he simply pulled one of the shallow drawers out of its case and put it down before me on the table.
1927, Ernest Bramah, Max Carrados Mysteries

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From Middle French formalité. equivalent to formal + -ity.