formality
/fɔ:ˈmælətɪ; fɔr`mælətɪ/ n
1 [U] careful observance of rules, conventions, etc of language or behaviour （语言或行为）认真遵循规范、 正统等
At board meetings you have to get used to the formality of the language. 参加董事会议必须习惯那种古板的语言.
I found the formality of the occasion irritating. 我觉得这种场合的繁文缛节十分讨厌.
2 [C]
(a) action required by convention or law 传统上的或法律上的手续
comply with all the necessary formalities 遵照一切必需的礼仪
go through the legal formalities 办理法律手续.
(b) such an action which no longer has much real importance or meaning 形式; 例行公事
They said the interview was just a formality/a mere formality, as they've already given me the job. 他们说面试只是一种例行公事, 因为他们已经把工作给我了.