Formal (in manner or appearance) — relating to formality, often implying something done as a formality or according to formal rules.
会議の挨拶は形式的で、心のこもった言葉は少なかった。
The greetings at the meeting were formal, with few heartfelt words.
手続きは形式的には完了しているが、実務はまだ進んでいない。
Formally the procedures are complete, but the actual work has not progressed yet.
その会社の採用面接は形式的な質問が中心だった。
The company's job interviews were centered on formal questions.