formality
noun uk/fɔːˈmæl.ə.ti/ us/fɔːˈmæl.ə.t̬i/
(ACTION)
[ C ]礼节；俗套；例行公事
something that has to be done but has no real importance
You'll have to sign the visitors' book, but it's just a formality. 你得在访客簿上签名，不过这只是例行公事而已。
formalities [ plural ] 法定程序;正式手续
something that the law or an official process says must be done
We'll have to observe the formalities (= do what is expected). 我们必须遵守法定程序。
They, of course, adhered to the formalities required by corporate governance rules.
She was escorted through the airport without going through immigration or customs formalities.
They went through some brief formalities before going to the embassy.
Intimidated by the courtroom formalities, she scarcely spoke.
They had dispensed with the procedural formalities.
(SERIOUSNESS)
[ U ]庄重，正规，适合正式场合
the quality of being suitable for serious or official occasions
She found the formality of the occasion rather daunting. 她觉得这个场合庄重得令人生畏。
A note of formality in his voice alerted her to the fact that others were listening. 他语气中的一丝拘谨提醒了她有别人在听他们的谈话。