cliché; empty formalities; polite formulas
Meanings
3 senses · 8 examplesnoun
hackneyed phrases; clichés in writing
Refers to overused, unoriginal expressions commonly found in letters, articles, and formal documents.
This article is full of old clichés and completely lacks originality.
When writing letters, one should avoid using too many formulaic phrases.
noun
empty formalities; formulaic speech without substance
Commonly used to criticize speeches, reports, or official statements that follow a rigid template but lack meaningful content.
Speeches at the conference should get straight to the point, and both empty formalities and hollow words should be eliminated.
His report was full of empty formalities without any actual substance.
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We should speak fewer formulaic phrases and do more practical work.
noun
polite formulas; conventional courtesies
Refers to polite but often insincere social pleasantries exchanged out of convention rather than genuine feeling.
We are all family here, so there's no need for polite formalities.
Among friends, there's no need to use those conventional courtesies.
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He always starts with a few polite formulas when meeting people.