# formally

/ˈfɔɹməɫi/ (US) · /fˈɔːməli/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/formally
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. officially

adverb · CEFR B2

in an official way, often involving a public statement or a signed document.

For teachers: 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'.

### 2. socially correct

adverb · CEFR B2

behaving or dressing in a serious, traditional way for a special event.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. logic or structure

adverb · CEFR C1 · Academic · Technical

following a strict set of rules or a specific logical pattern.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The two leaders will meet formally tomorrow morning.
- Although they had been working together for months, they were only formally introduced at the annual gala.
- The treaty must be formally ratified by the parliament before any of the proposed economic changes can be legally enforced across the member states.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.