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Strict adherence to rules, procedures, or conventions, especially in official or ceremonial contexts.
La cerimonia richiede molte formalità.
The ceremony requires many formalities.
Often used in bureaucratic, legal, or diplomatic contexts.
A procedural or administrative requirement that must be fulfilled.
Bisogna completare tutte le formalità prima della scadenza.
All formalities must be completed before the deadline.
Common in legal or administrative language.
Politeness or courtesy, especially in social interactions.
Ha mostrato grande rispetto per le formalità.
He showed great respect for the formalities.
Used in contexts requiring decorum or etiquette.
'Formale' is an adjective meaning 'formal' (e.g., *un incontro formale* = a formal meeting), while 'formalità' is a noun referring to the act or requirement itself. For example, *le formalità di un matrimonio* (the formalities of a wedding) vs. *un evento formale* (a formal event).
In official or legal settings, *formalità* often refers to mandatory steps or documents. For example, *le formalità doganali* (customs formalities) or *le formalità di iscrizione* (registration formalities).
From Latin *formalitas*, derived from *formalis* (relating to form), from *forma* (shape, form).
In Italian, *formalità* often implies a sense of obligation or necessity, especially in contexts where rules or conventions must be strictly observed. It can also refer to superficial politeness without genuine warmth.