0
English 1b3 Posted 16 years ago
Grammar

'Formality' (n)

Definition for

Formality:

1. The quality or condition of being formal

He was underplaying the whole formality.

Wearing distasteful hairstyles affects the formality of the event.

It depends on the formality of the situation.

If we are referring to something that is totally informal (not formal at all), can we use 'formality'? I feel 'formailty' doesn't state how formal or informal a condition is, so I wonder if it works above.

Thanks
  

Top answer

Your definition is a general one, not the one used in linguistics, but I presume the latter is the one you are questioning. It works in your 3rd example sentence, certainly; the other two obviously refer to the formal rather than the informal– but it is a matter of context, as is the case with many definitions of words. From an on-line linguistic glossary: Formality is a kind of social deixis that expresses the setting or social activity in which language use takes place.

— Mister Micawber

  • Your definition is a general one, not the one used in linguistics, but I presume the latter is the one you are questioning.
  • It works in your 3rd example sentence, certainly; the other two obviously refer to the formal rather than the informal– but it is a matter of context, as is the case with many definitions of words.
  • From an on-line linguistic glossary: Formality is a kind of social deixis that expresses the setting or social activity in which language use takes place.
  • Is that any help?
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

7 Answers
0
Your definition is a general one, not the one used in linguistics, but I presume the latter is the one you are questioning. It works in your 3rd example sentence, certainly; the other two obviously refer to the formal rather than the informal– but it is a matter of context, as is the case with many definitions of words.

From an on-line linguistic glossary:


Formality
0
0
Mister Micawberbut I presume the latter is the one you are questioning

No, the former: when talking about formality of an event, for example. Since the definition states that it is a condition of being formal, I assumed it cannot be used when talking about an informal situation. Am I wrong?
0
0
Ah. Well, I think what I said about context still applies, marginally:

The formality of the Queen's coronation ceremony was awesome.
The formality at the skid row bar was minimal.
0
0
Thanks, MM.

So you believe it can't be used when talking about a any degree of formality?

We will have the party next weekend. The formality of the event is not determined as yet. Shorts and a t.shirt is probably the way to go.
0
0
But doesn't the definition I posted restrict its use to conditions that are formal?

If there is no formality at the party, then that means it is informal...

I'm confusing myself.
0
0
Or you're confusing me. This example is your best: The formality of the event is not determined as yet.

Formality is an uncountable quality which can realize itself in a range of conditions from very informal to very formal. Now, if you were asking about the adjective formal, that might be a better candidate for your stricture.
0

Related Questions