English Reference
adverb

duly

adv.
US /ˈduɫi/ UK /djˈuːli/ du·ly

  1. 01 C1 Advanced Formal

    in the correct way, or as you were asked to do.

    in a proper or fitting manner; according to what is required or expected.

    Simple

    He was duly elected as the new chairman of the committee.

    In context

    After the board reviewed the proposal, the contract was duly signed by both parties in the presence of their legal counsel.

    Usage

    Typically placed before a past participle or at the beginning of a clause to confirm an action followed a rule.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced Formal

    at the time that was planned or expected.

    at the proper or expected time; punctually.

    Simple

    The train duly arrived at the station at ten o'clock.

    In context

    The annual report was duly submitted before the end of the fiscal year, ensuring the company remained in compliance with local regulations.

    punctuallyon time

His long-odds pick duly romps home and he takes her back to his place to meet his wife Rose (Georgie Parker) and raise a glass to their good fortune.

The Guardian· 27 Aug 2026

Jaissle duly greeted Thiaw’s scoring header from Elanga’s corner with a prolonged bout of clapping.

The Guardian· 15 Aug 2026

From Middle English duely, dewly, dulyche, dueliche, duweliche (“rightly, properly”), equivalent to due + -ly.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Middle English duely
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Frequent
Updated