[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。
语源
mid 16th cent. (in the sense 'accordance with legal rules or conventions'): from French formalité or medieval Latin formalitas, from formalis (see formal)