Word
formally
Phoneticsfor·mal·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈfɔɹməɫi/
UK/fˈɔːməli/
Adverb of manner
Definitions
01officially
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adv. in an official way, often involving a public statement or a signed document.
adv. in accordance with official procedure or legal requirements.
“The company formally announced the merger in a press release this morning.”
“The treaty was formally ratified by the parliament after months of intense diplomatic negotiation.”
Usage
Often used with verbs of communication like 'announce', 'invite', or 'propose'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02socially correct
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adv. behaving or dressing in a serious, traditional way for a special event.
adv. in a manner that adheres to conventional social etiquette or traditional dress codes.
“The guests were asked to dress formally for the wedding dinner.”
“He greeted the visiting dignitaries formally, ensuring that every protocol of the state visit was strictly observed.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
03logic or structure
C1 · Advanced Education Academic · Technical
adv. following a strict set of rules or a specific logical pattern.
adv. in accordance with rigorous rules of logic, mathematics, or structural composition.
“The theory has not yet been formally proven by other scientists.”
“The linguist attempted to formally define the syntax of the dialect using a set of generative rules.”
Usage
Common in academic writing when discussing proofs, definitions, or systems.
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “formally” in context.
Verb
01. formally define
“The committee needs to formally define the terms of the agreement before we sign it.”
adv + verb
02. formally establish
“The two countries decided to formally establish diplomatic relations next month.”
adv + verb
03. formally identified
Real-World Examples
“Police said that while the body was yet to be formally identified, it was believed to be that of 18-year-old Lily Hooper.” “In 2024, about 1.4 million high school seniors took what’s now formally called the ACT.” Etymology
From formal + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/formally