formality
formality
(pl. -ies)
(pl. -ies)
- [mass noun]the rigid observance of rules of convention or etiquette
拘泥形式，遵守礼节
the formality of life in an English public school.
英国公学（私立寄宿学校）的拘谨生活。
■stiffness of behaviour or style
（行为，风格）拘谨，僵硬
with disconcerting formality the brothers shook hands.
兄弟俩握了手，其拘谨状令人不安。
■[count noun](一般作 formalities)a thing that is done simply to comply with requirements of etiquette, regulations, or custom
礼节；正式手续；俗套
legal formalities.
法律手续。
■(a formality)something that is done as a matter of course and without question; an inevitability
必做的俗套，必须履行的手续
promotion looks a formality.
晋升看上去是必须履行的手续。
- mid 16th cent. (in the sense 'accordance with legal rules or conventions'): from French formalité or medieval Latin formalitas, from formalis (see formal)
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