/fɔ:'mælətɪ; fɔr`mælətɪ/
n
1 [U] careful observance of rules, conventions, etc of language or behaviour （语言或行为）认真遵循规范、正统等
*At board meetings you have to get used to the formality of the language. 参加董事会议必须习惯那种古板的语言.
* I found the formality of the occasion irritating. 我觉得这种场合的繁文缛节十分讨厌.
2 [C]
(a) action required by convention or law 传统上的或法律上的手续
*comply with all the necessary formalities 遵照一切必需的礼仪
* go through the legal formalities 办理法律手续.
(b) such an action which no longer has much real importance or meaning 形式; 例行公事
*They said the interview was just a formality/a mere formality, as they've already given me the job. 他们说面试只是一种例行公事, 因为他们已经把工作给我了.

npluralformalities
[C usually plural]
something that you must do as a formal or official part of an activity or process
　the formalities necessary for a valid marriage
[C usually singular]
something you must do even though it has no practical importance or effects
just/only/merely etc a formality
　Getting a gun licence here seems to be just a formality.
[U]
careful attention to polite behaviour and language in formal situations
　There is always some degree of formality when one speaks to a stranger.
　The loan was arranged with little formality.