formally

You might be confusing the word formally with formerly. These words are commonly misused.

Word parts

formal + -ly

Pronunciation

• (US) IPA ^(key): /ˈfɔrməli/
• (UK) IPA ^(key): /ˈfɔːməli/

• Audio (UK)

  (file)

• Homophone: formerly

Adverb

Positive formally

Comparative more formally

Superlative most formally

1. If you do something formally, you do it in a formal way.

   They expect you to formally behave yourself. If not, I doubt you will get the job.