a matter of form



a matter of form

That which is done for the sake of procedure, formality, appearances, or the accepted norm, often implying a lack of usefulness or necessity. I know we already covered the chapter on social economics last week, but as a matter of form, let's review its key points before beginning today's lecture. The doctors weren't too worried about her illness, but as a matter of form they decided to keep her in the hospital overnight.
See also: form, matter, of

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
PipPIPEnglish
Ottaviano-Italian
Ennis['enis]
PoncioPON-thyo (Spanish), PON-syo (Latin American Spanish)Spanish
Avihu-Hebrew, Biblical Hebrew
Gili-Hebrew