formally

«formally» in Mova's school dictionary: In a polite, serious, correct way, suitable for important… — its meaning for a pupil, its sense in the lessons and examples, with 1 sentence of Mova's corpora that use it.

part of speech

adverb (formally)

meaning for a pupil

1) In a polite, serious, correct way, suitable for important occasions. tree →

2) Officially: «formally announced». tree →

3) In proper dress for a special event: «dressed formally». tree →

sense 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 →
• The new library was formally opened by the mayor. tree →
• Everyone dressed formally for the wedding. tree →
• He was formally introduced to the queen. tree →
• The school formally announced the new rules. tree →
• In assembly we speak formally. tree →

note

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

In the corpora

• "Can I?" asks if you are able or allowed; "May I?" asks permission more politely and formally.

Trees and pragmatics

Every meaning and example of «formally» parsed by Mova, each sentence with its dependency tree and frames.