formally
USFOR-muh-lee/ˈfɔɹ.mə.li/SayFAW-muh-leeUK/ˈfɔː.mə.li/AUS/ˈfoː.mə.li/
Often confused with formerly
- 1In the official way, by following the proper steps.
You must formally apply for the permit at city hall.
She formally quit her job by sending a letter to her boss.
Similarofficially
Oppositeinformally, unofficially
- 2In a neat and proper way, not a casual one.
You don't need to dress formally for the picnic.
He spoke formally to the judge and called her 'Your Honor.'
Oppositeinformally, casually
- 3By following strict rules very carefully and exactly.
The math teacher showed us how to prove the rule formally.
Before the robot can be trusted, its code must be formally checked.
Similarrigorously
Oppositeinformally
Practice
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Origin
From formal + -ly.