形けい式しき上じょう

noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'

in form; ceremonial; for form's sake; pro forma

Used to describe something done as a matter of form, procedure, or outward appearance, often implying that the substance or real intention may be lacking. Functions as a no-adjective modifying nouns.

• 会かい議ぎは形けい式しき上じょうのものに過すぎなかった。

  The meeting was only pro forma.

• 彼かれは形けい式しき上じょう、謝しゃ罪ざいしたが、本ほん心しんではなかった。

  He apologized pro forma, but his heart wasn't in it.