formality
nounUK /fɔːˈmæl.ə.ti/
US /fɔːrˈmæl.ə.t̬i/
A formality is a polite rule or action you do because it is expected.
Shaking hands before the game was just a formality.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. The quality of being serious and following official rules.
The formality of the courtroom made everyone speak quietly.
3. Something done only to follow the rules, not because it is needed.
The test was a formality; everyone already knew the answer.
4. Strict attention to polite behavior and correct ways of doing things.
She treated the meeting with great formality.