# formality

> English word · Noun · IPA /fɔːrˈmælɪti/ · frequency rank #23,835

## Definitions
1. The state of being formal.
2. Something said or done as a matter of form.
3. A customary ritual without substance, real consequence, or unique meaning.
4. A specific requirement for obtaining a legal status, conducting a transaction, etc.

## Etymology
From Middle French formalité. equivalent to formal + -ity.

## Easily confused with
- **formally** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/formality-vs-formally)
- **formalism** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/formalism-vs-formality)

## Common misspellings (14)
`fformality`, `fomrality`, `foramlity`, `formailty`, `formalitty`, `formalityy`, `formaliyt`, `formallity`, `formaltiy`, `formlaity`, `formmality`, `forrmality`, `fromality`, `ofrmality`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/formality