formally

adv

Etymology: Etymology tree English formal Proto-Indo-European *leyg-der. Proto-Germanic *līkąder. Proto-Germanic *-līkaz Proto-Germanic *-ê Proto-Germanic *-līkê Proto-West Germanic *-līkē Old English -līċe Middle English -ly English -ly English formally From formal + -ly.

1. In a formal manner.

   “He was dressed too formally for the occasion.”

2. In accordance with official procedure.

   “He formally filed a complaint, which involved much paperwork.”

   “Dans told CNN he will formally launch his campaign with a prayer breakfast Wednesday in Charleston.”

3. In accordance with rigorous rules.

   “He proved it formally but gave his students no intuitive feel for the matter.”