different between formality vs observance

English

Etymology

From Middle French formalité. equivalent to formal +? -ity.

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -æl?ti

Noun

formality (countable and uncountable, plural formalities)

1. (uncountable) The state of being formal.
2. Something said or done as a matter of form.
3. A customary ritual without new or unique meaning.
4. (countable) A specific requirement for obtaining a legal status, conducting a transaction, etc.

Translations

Further reading

• formality in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913.
• formality in The Century Dictionary, New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., 1911.

English

Alternative forms

• observancy (obsolete)
• observaunce (obsolete)

Etymology

From Old French observance, from Latin observantia. Equivalent of observe +? -ance.

Pronunciation

• (General American) enPR: ?b-zûr?v?ns, IPA^(key): /?b?z?v?ns/
• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /?b?z??v?ns/
• Hyphenation: ob?ser?vance

Noun

observance (countable and uncountable, plural observances)

1. The practice of complying with a law, custom, command or rule.
2. The custom of celebrating a holiday or similar occasion.
3. Observation or the act of watching.
4. (religion) A rule governing a religious order, especially in the Roman Catholic church.
5. That which is to be observed.
6. Reverence; homage.

Antonyms

• misobservance

Derived terms

• hyperobservance
• misobservance

Translations

French

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?p.s??.v??s/

Noun

observance f (plural observances)

1. observance

Related terms

• observable
• observant
• observateur
• observer

References

• “observance” in Trésor de la langue française informatisé (The Digitized Treasury of the French Language).