for ‧ mal ‧ ly S3 /ˈfɔːməli $ ˈfɔːr-/ BrE AmE adverb
[ Word Family: noun : ↑ formality ≠ ↑ informality , ↑ formalization ; verb : ↑ formalize ; adverb : ↑ formally ≠ ↑ informally ; adjective : ↑ formal ≠ ↑ informal ]
1 . officially OPP informally :
We announced a decision formally recognizing the new government.
2 . in a polite way OPP informally :
He put his hand out formally, and Liza took it.
‘I apologize, Captain,’ she said formally.