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.
Formally known as CM2502, Porkchop got her nickname when she chowed down shortly after losing her front right flipper, which was severely constricted by fishing line.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 27, 2026
Formally, the state owns the oil and exercises ownership through Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A.
From Barron's • Jan. 6, 2026
Formally and dramatically, the movie has poise, which only strengthens its depiction of girls thrown off balance by growing up.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 4, 2025
Formally called the “Nutrition Info box,” the proposed labeling system would detail the content of saturated fat, sodium and added sugars using three levels: Low, Medium and High.
From Salon • Jan. 21, 2025
“Allow me to introduce myself. I am Sir Francis Sasquatch III of the Yellowstone National Park Sasquatches. Formally knighted in both Faerie Courts. An absolute pleasure to meet you. Sweetheart, you’re all anyone’s talking about.”
From "Amari and the Night Brothers" by B.B. Alston
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.
