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
Compare meaning
How does formally compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Explanation
Formally describes something done according to an established custom, like dressing formally for dinner with the President, as people always have done. In our casual era of wearing jeans almost everywhere and calling our elders by their first name, it's not every day that you meet someone who acts, speaks, or dresses more formally. But there is still value in this kind of expression, especially in showing respect on important occasions like weddings and funerals. Another meaning of the adverb formally is "officially," like being formally invited to dinner at the White House.
Vocabulary lists containing formally
Commonly Confused Words, List 1
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"LAFFF"
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Commonly Confused Words, List 3
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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.
The survey was carried out from July 2 to July 9, before the nonexistent cease-fire with Iran formally broke down — and before the softer-than-expected June inflation figures were reported.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 15, 2026
Ukraine's parliament formally approved Svyrydenko's resignation in a vote on Tuesday.
From Barron's ● Jul. 14, 2026
While other countries guarantee protections for animals, Ecuador is the only nation in the world to formally grant them distinct constitutional rights.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 13, 2026
Lord Mandelson was announced as the UK's ambassador to the US in December 2024, before in-depth vetting had been carried out, and formally took up the role in February 2025 after being granted security clearance.
From BBC ● Jul. 13, 2026
He hadn’t merely failed; he’d been formally expelled in front of the entire warriorship.
From "Beasts of Prey" by Ayana Gray
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.
