Formalities

[Allen165]

I'm translating a report of a body search. The first part of the report contains the following columns: reporter, date, start of search, and end of search. My question is whether that part can be titled "formalities."

I don't think it can because a formality is a procedure, and not a synonym for "formal matters/aspects."

Thanks a lot!

 

[freezeframe]

I'm translating a report of a body search. The first part of the report contains the following columns: reporter, date, start of search, and end of search. My question is whether that part can be titled "formalities."

I don't think it can because a formality is a procedure, and not a synonym for "formal matters/aspects."

Thanks a lot!

No. Formality usually carries a connotation of meaningless things you must do as part of the tradition/process/etc.

 

[Allen165]

No. Formality usually carries a connotation of meaningless things you must do as part of the tradition/process/etc.

Yes, that's one of its meanings.

 

[freezeframe]

Yes, that's one of its meanings.

Okay then. If you have a dictionary, why do you ask?

Also, look up the word connotation.

 

[Allen165]

Okay then. If you have a dictionary, why do you ask?

Also, look up the word connotation.

Because I am not sure whether "formalities" can used in the way I described in my first post.

My dictionary provides four meanings of "formality."

1. the quality or condition of being formal
2. an official procedure that must be followed as part of a longer procedure
3. a procedure that must be followed because it is a rule or custom, but has little significance or effect in itself
4. strict or excessive attention to propriety or ceremony

Stating the name of the reporter, the date of the search, and its start and end - can that be viewed as part of a procedure? I'm not sure.

 

[Rover_KE]

You could consider basic information.

Rover

 

[Tdol]

Formalities doesn't fit there for me, because it does often suggest that the procedures are in some way empty, while recording these details is important.