formality
/fɔːˈmælətɪ/noun
(pl. -ies)［mass noun］
1- 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。
1.1
- 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, 其拘谨状令人困惑不解。
1.2
- 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。
1.3
a formality
something that is done as a matter of course and without question; an inevitability免不了的俗套, 必走的形式：promotion looks a formality.
晋升手续看上去是必须履行的。
词源
mid 16th cent. （in the sense 'accordance with legal rules or conventions'）： from French formalité or medieval Latin formalitas, from formalis （see FORMAL）.