1N-COUNT 形式;仪式;俗套 If you say that an action or procedure is just a formality, you mean that it is done only because it is normally done, and that it will not have any real effect on the situation. 形式;仪式;俗套
With the Cold War almost over, the talks were a mere formality.
随着冷战即将结束，对话就只是一种形式了。
2N-COUNT [usually plural]程序;正式手续Formalities are formal actions or procedures that are carried out as part of a particular activity or event. 程序;正式手续
They are whisked through the immigration and customs formalities in a matter of minutes.