Formalities — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /fȯr-ˈma-lə-tē/ for·mal·i·ty

Meaning & Definition of Formalities

Formalities (noun)

  1. compliance with formal or conventional rules, ceremony
  2. the quality or state of being formal
  3. an established form or procedure that is required or conventional

Formalities (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. an act or utterance that is a customary show of good manners

    "bowing to your guest is a formality you don't need to perform for me"

    similar: amenities, attentions, civilities, courtesies, gestures, pleasantries
    related: honors, ceremonies, observances, rites, rituals, decorums, etiquettes, forms, manners, mores, proprieties, addresses, devoirs, greetings, regards, respects, favors, graces, protocols, rules

  2. an oft-repeated action or series of actions performed in accordance with tradition or a set of rules

    "churchgoers loved the formalities of a traditional Christmas Eve candlelight service"

    similar: ceremonials, ceremonies, forms, observances, rites, rituals, solemnities
    related: amenities, civilities, decorums, etiquettes, graces, proprieties, protocols, conventions, customs, habits, manners, mores, practices, standards, traditions, ways, celebrations, services

Related Entry: Formality (noun)

Formality is a different word from Formalities. The synonyms below are for formality, not for formalities.

  1. an act or utterance that is a customary show of good manners

    "bowing to your guest is a formality you don't need to perform for me"

    similar: amenity, attention, civility, courtesy, gesture, pleasantry, politeness
    related: honors, ceremony, observance, rite, ritual, decorum, etiquette, form, manners, mores, proprieties, addresses, devoirs, greetings, regards, respects, favor, grace, kindliness, kindness, protocol, rules

  2. an oft-repeated action or series of actions performed in accordance with tradition or a set of rules

    "churchgoers loved the formalities of a traditional Christmas Eve candlelight service"

    similar: ceremonial, ceremony, form, observance, rite, ritual, solemnity
    related: amenities, civility, decorum, etiquette, graces, proprieties, protocol, convention, custom, habit, manners, mores, practice, standard, tradition, way, celebration, service

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Formalities

The most common words with a similar meaning to Formalities:

amenities, attentions, civilities, courtesies, gestures, pleasantries, ceremonials, ceremonies, forms, observances, rites, rituals, solemnities

Related Words for Formalities

honors, decorums, etiquettes, manners, mores, proprieties, addresses, devoirs, greetings, regards, respects, favors, graces, protocols, rules, conventions, customs, habits, practices, standards, traditions, ways, celebrations, services

Origin & Etymology of Formalities

First known use: 1597

Frequently Asked Questions about Formalities

What does "Formalities" mean?

"Formalities" means compliance with formal or conventional rules, ceremony. As a noun, it is defined as: compliance with formal or conventional rules, ceremony. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Formalities"?

Other words for "Formalities" include amenities, attentions, civilities, courtesies, gestures, pleasantries, ceremonials and ceremonies. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Formalities" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Formalities"?

There are 37 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Formalities". Common alternatives include amenities, attentions, civilities, courtesies, gestures, pleasantries, ceremonials, ceremonies, forms and observances.

How do you use "Formalities" in a sentence?

Examples of "Formalities" in a sentence: "bowing to your guest is a formality you don't need to perform for me"; "churchgoers loved the formalities of a traditional Christmas Eve candlelight service".

Is "Formalities" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Formalities" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Formalities"?

"Formalities" is pronounced /fȯr-ˈma-lə-tē/ and divided into syllables as for·mal·i·ty.

What is the origin of the word "Formalities"?

First known use: 1597.

What is another word for "Formalities" meaning "an act or utterance that is a customary show of good manners"?

When "Formalities" (noun) means an act or utterance that is a customary show of good manners, synonyms include amenities, attentions, civilities, courtesies, gestures and pleasantries.