formality

formalidad, trámite

Paso exigido por una norma o costumbre, incluso cuando el resultado ya es seguro.

En inglés sencillo: Something you must do because a rule or custom requires it, even when the result is already certain.

• The final interview is a formality.
• We completed the formalities before collecting the keys.
• Is this vote a formality, or could the plan still fail?

Sinónimos: procedure

Expresiones frecuentes: just a formality, complete a formality, legal formality

formalidad

Manera de comportarse con cortesía y siguiendo normas oficiales, con poca familiaridad o espontaneidad.

En inglés sencillo: The use of careful, polite behavior and official rules rather than a relaxed, friendly style.

• The meeting had little formality.
• She disliked the formality of official dinners.
• His speech brought a touch of formality to the celebration.

Sinónimos: ceremony

Antónimos: informality

Expresiones frecuentes: great formality, formality of something, without formality, degree of formality

formalidad, ritual vacío

Acción hecha por costumbre que no tiene efecto ni importancia reales.

En inglés sencillo: An action done out of habit or custom that has no real effect or importance.

• Their greeting was an empty formality.
• The annual ceremony had become a meaningless formality.
• She wanted a real apology, not a formality.

Sinónimos: empty ritual, empty gesture

Expresiones frecuentes: mere formality, empty formality, meaningless formality