If you say that an action or procedure is just a formality, you mean that it is done only because it is normally done. 走形式
noun [抽象名词] （性质）正式，正式性；遵守礼节；例行公事；礼节，正式手续
Formalities are formal actions or procedures that are carried out as part of a particular activity or event. 正规程序
form(形状) + al + ity(表性质， 名词后缀) → 认真维持形状 → 认真遵守规范、 礼节等
- 网友用 “Formality” 造句精选
- She greeted him with stiff formality. 她拘谨地按礼节向他致意。
- Some contracts are a mere formality. 有些合同纯属走形式。
- Different levels of formality are appropriate in different situations. 不同程度的注重礼节适用于不同场合。
- They are whisked through the immigration and customs formalities in a matter of minutes. 他们在短短的几分钟内就很快走完了移民与海关手续。