formally
Americanadverb
-
in a formal manner.
The store was formally opened on Tuesday.
-
as regards form; in form.
It may be formally correct, but it is substantively wrong.
Etymology
Origin of formally
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Hernández, however, is the only one who hasn’t formally announced his retirement as a player.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026
Earlier this year, Bondi was formally summoned to answer questions over any "possible mismanagement" of the justice department's investigation into the late convicted sex offender, according to a subpoena letter written by Comer.
From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026
At the beginning of the war, exact U.S. objectives weren’t clearly or formally stated, and I guessed the president would make them clear the day operations cease.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026
Moscow and Yerevan are formally allies but their ties have become increasingly strained under Pashinyan.
From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026
Kweku asked Ifemelu, tentatively, almost formally; he, too, knew she was suffering from a breakup.
From "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
