English Reference
Adverb

federally

adv. manner
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˈfɛdɝəɫi/ UK /fˈɛdəɹəli/ fed·er·al·ly

adv.at the national level of a country's government. You use this when talking about laws or rules that apply to the whole country rather than just one state or city.

adv.pertaining to the central government of a federation as opposed to its constituent states or provinces.


SIMPLE

The new law is federally mandated.

CONTEXTUAL

While some states have legalized the substance, it remains illegal federally under national drug control policies.

COMPLEX

The program is federally funded but locally administered, allowing each municipality to tailor the services to the specific demographic needs of its residents.

Usage

Typically modifies adjectives or verbs related to law, funding, or administration.

A federally recognised tribe of around 37,000 members, the Tohono O’odham Nation sits along roughly 100km (62 miles) of the US-Mexico border.

Al Jazeera· 26 Aug 2026

That is why the capital program is mostly federally funded.

The Conversation· 20 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated