formally

In a way that follows official rules or makes something official.

• He formally accepted the offer.
• The committee formally approved the plan yesterday.
• Have you formally requested permission?

Similar words: officially

Opposites: informally

Common phrases: formally announce, formally request

In a serious, polite, or traditional way suitable for important occasions.

• Everyone dressed formally for dinner.
• She spoke formally to the guests.
• Why are you addressing me so formally?

Similar words: ceremoniously

Opposites: informally, casually

Common phrases: dress formally, speak formally

Using strict rules of logic, mathematics, or another system.

• The theorem was proved formally.
• We must define these terms formally.
• The software was formally verified using mathematical methods.

Similar words: rigorously

Common phrases: prove formally, formally define