formality

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for|mal|ity /fɔːrm'ælɪti/ (formalities)
1 [N-COUNT]
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.
With the Cold War almost over, the talks were a mere formality.
2 [N-COUNT] usu pl
Formalities are formal actions or procedures that are carried out as part of a particular activity or event.
They are whisked through the immigration and customs formalities in a matter of minutes.
3
see also formal

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