adv
formally
FAW-muh-lee
adv
1
In an official or proper way.
"The mayor formally opened the new library."
"She was formally introduced to the board members."
How to Use Formally
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishOfficially or according to accepted, proper procedure.
Common mistake
Easy to mix up with "formerly" (meaning "in the past") — they sound almost identical but mean very different things.
Easily confused with
Word Forms
more formally comparative, most formally superlative
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The mayor _____ opened the new library.
Etymology
From formal + -ly.