formally
/ˈfɔːməli/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈfɔːrməli/ (ame, ipa) · /-li/ (ame, mw)
formally — adverb
1. according to the correct official rules or accepted procedures, rather than in a
according to the correct official rules or accepted procedures, rather than in an informal or unofficial way
The contract was formally approved by the board of directors on Friday.
passive: be formally + past participle (approved)
Folake formally applied for Canadian citizenship after living in Toronto for six years.
collocation: formally apply for [something]
Jabari's parents formally complained to the school principal about the unfair grading policy.
The two companies formally merged last month after months of negotiation.
- officially
closest synonym; interchangeable in most official contexts
- by the book
informal alternative emphasising strict adherence to rules
- legally
narrower; only when official procedures involve the law
- informally
done unofficially or without following official procedures
- unofficially
without formal recognition or authorisation
文法句型
formally + past participle (passive)
formally + verb (active)
用法筆記
Often used in the passive voice (be formally + past participle) to describe official actions such as approvals, announcements, or agreements. Distinguish from sense 2: this sense focuses on legal or procedural formality rather than personal behaviour.
常見錯誤
2. showing serious, correct, and polite behaviour on important social occasions whe
showing serious, correct, and polite behaviour on important social occasions where customs and traditions matter
All guests are expected to dress formally for the awards ceremony at the Grand Hotel.
collocation: dress formally
Antonia bowed formally to the ambassador before taking her seat at the table.
collocation: bow formally
Reuben thanked his mentor formally in a handwritten letter after the graduation ceremony.
The diplomat spoke formally, choosing each word with great care and precision.
- properly
broader in meaning; less tied to ceremonial occasions
- correctly
focuses on following social rules rather than showing respect
- ceremoniously
stronger emphasis on ritual or ceremony; less common
- casually
done in a relaxed, informal manner
- informally
done without following formal social customs
文法句型
formally + verb of social interaction (dress, speak, behave, bow, greet)
用法筆記
Commonly modifies verbs of social interaction: dress, speak, behave, bow, greet, thank, introduce. The setting must be an important or ceremonial occasion — do not use this sense for everyday polite behaviour.
常見錯誤
3. of gardens, rooms, or buildings — in a carefully planned and ordered way that fo
of gardens, rooms, or buildings — in a carefully planned and ordered way that follows a clear, symmetrical design, often with straight lines and geometric shapes
The garden was laid out formally, with straight gravel paths and neatly clipped hedges.
collocation: laid out formally
Christopher designed the entrance hall formally, placing two identical sofas facing each other.
collocation: designed formally
Unlike the relaxed backyard, the front garden is kept formally trimmed throughout the year.
Hyun planned the rose garden formally, with flowers arranged in perfect circular beds.
- symmetrically
focuses on mirror-image balance; a key feature of formal design
- geometrically
emphasises clear shapes such as squares, circles, and rectangles
- methodically
broader; not limited to garden or architectural contexts
- informally
carelessly or naturally arranged, without strict planning
- naturally
allowed to grow or develop without human-imposed order
文法句型
formally + past participle (design contexts: laid out, designed, arranged, trimmed)
用法筆記
Restricted to descriptions of physical spaces and landscapes. This sense contrasts with informal or naturalistic design, where plants and features are allowed to grow freely without strict symmetry.