formally
adv.-
1 officially (adv.) B2 Upper Intermediatein an official way, often involving a public statement or a signed document.
in accordance with official procedure or legal requirements.
ExampleThe company formally announced the merger in a press release this morning.
ExampleThe treaty was formally ratified by the parliament after months of intense diplomatic negotiation.
UsageOften used with verbs of communication like 'announce', 'invite', or 'propose'.
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2 socially correct (adv.) B2 Upper Intermediatebehaving or dressing in a serious, traditional way for a special event.
in a manner that adheres to conventional social etiquette or traditional dress codes.
ExampleThe guests were asked to dress formally for the wedding dinner.
ExampleHe greeted the visiting dignitaries formally, ensuring that every protocol of the state visit was strictly observed.
- ceremoniously
- properly
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3 logic or structure (adv.) C1 Advanced Academic Technical Academicfollowing a strict set of rules or a specific logical pattern.
in accordance with rigorous rules of logic, mathematics, or structural composition.
ExampleThe theory has not yet been formally proven by other scientists.
ExampleThe linguist attempted to formally define the syntax of the dialect using a set of generative rules.
UsageCommon in academic writing when discussing proofs, definitions, or systems.
From formal + -ly.