C1 noun /fɔːrˈmæl.ə.ti/
Formality
formalités
Meaning
the rigid observance of rules of convention or etiquette; a thing done simply to comply with requirements
Example
The signing of the contract was just a formality; the deal was already agreed upon.
La signature du contrat n'était qu'une formalité; l'accord était déjà conclu.