/fɔ:ˈmæləti ||; fɔrˈmælətɪ/noun (
plural formalities)
1 [C] an action that is necessary according to custom or law 手续；仪式: There are certain formalities to attend to before we can give you a visa. 你办好一些手续以后，我们便可以把签证发给你。
If an action is just a formality, we mean that people think that it is necessary according to custom or law but that it has no real importance or effect otherwise. just a formality表示只根据习惯或法律上的规定办事，并无实质意义或效用。 2 [U] careful attention to rules of language and behaviour 遵守语言或行为规范