formality (n.)

  1. a requirement of etiquette or custom; a mere formality

    [ Syn: formalities ]

  2. a manner that strictly observes all forms and ceremonies; the formality of his voice made the others pay him close attention

    [ Syn: formalness ]

  3. compliance with formal rules; courtroom formality'

The dictionary is based on the WordNet Electronic Lexical Database.
WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2011 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.