How to pronounce formally
Say it like FOR-muh-lee. Formally has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FOR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce formally. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- FOR
- muh
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Formally pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- FORSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- muhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- leeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of formally
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: FAW-muh-lee.
What does formally mean?
- with official authorization“the club will be formally recognized”
- in a formal manner“he was dressed rather formally”
Where does formally come from?
From formal + -ly.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with formally
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of formally.
Questions about saying formally
How do you pronounce formally?
Say FOR-muh-lee. The American pronunciation is /ˈfɔrməli/. In British English it is /ˈfɔːməli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in formally?
Formally has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FOR). Broken into parts: FOR · muh · lee.
Is formally pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈfɔːməli/ (FAW-muh-lee).