[Elamur Dictionary](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/formally/)

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# formally

adverb (formally)

«formally» in the English dictionary: everyday — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## Everyday

1. In a polite, serious, correct way, suitable for important occasions. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/F/formally/#m1)
2. Officially: «formally announced». [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/F/formally/#m2)
3. In proper dress for a special event: «dressed formally». [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/F/formally/#m3)

### In the lessons

In school: formal writing (letters, reports) is written formally; speaking formally to a head teacher. In news: «formally opened», «formally charged». Opposite: informally, casually.

### Examples

- We must write the letter formally. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/F/formally/#x1)
- The new library was formally opened by the mayor. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/F/formally/#x2)
- Everyone dressed formally for the wedding. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/F/formally/#x3)
- He was formally introduced to the queen. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/F/formally/#x4)
- The school formally announced the new rules. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/F/formally/#x5)
- In assembly we speak formally. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/F/formally/#x6)

### Note

Don't confuse with «formerly» (in the past) — they sound alike in many accents. Adjective: formal.

## On Mova

- [Trees and pragmatics of «formally» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/F/formally/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«formally» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/school/w/formally.html) on Mova free.