formality

/fɔːrˈmælɪti/
noun
  1. The quality of being correct, serious, and following rules or customs, especially in social situations.
    • The formality of the ceremony impressed the guests.
    • She preferred the formality of a handshake over a casual wave.
    • The formality of the dinner party made everyone feel a little nervous.
  2. A required or expected action that is done out of custom or official rules, often without real importance.
    • Signing the guestbook was just a formality at the wedding.
    • The interview was a formality since they had already offered him the job.
    • Paying the fee is a formality before you can enter the contest.
Antonyms
What does "formality" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean