- formally
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done or given officially and publicly:
• The companies said they expect to sign a formal agreement before year's end.
• No formal announcement has yet been made.
• The British authorities have decided to launch a formal investigation into the company's trading practices.
— formally adverb :• The merger was formally announced late yesterday afternoon.
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formal UK US /ˈfɔːməl/ adjective► stated or agreed in writing: a formal agreement/contract/offer »They are required to make a binding formal offer and then publish an offer document within 28 days.
► done publicly or officially: a formal announcement/discussion/investigation »The two companies began formal discussions to renegotiate the $2.8 billion power project.
► used to describe clothing that is suitable for important or official occasions: »Please note that formal dress is not required at the dinner.
► used to describe education or training that is received in a school or college: »Lacking formal education, he worked as a sharecropper and journeyman laborer to support his family.
► ECONOMICS used to describe businesses that are officially recognized, pay taxes, etc.: »In Mexico small and medium-sized enterprises generate six out of ten jobs in the formal sector.
formally adverb► »The bid for the company could be formally accepted early next week.
Financial and business terms. 2012.