0

In Cambridge Dictionary the word formally means officially.

Does it mean that I can use those two words interchangeably in the following sentence:

World Water Day was first formally/officially proposed in Agenda 21 of the 1992 United Nations Conference.

Improve this question

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
3

The two words have very slightly different connotations. "Formally" is neutral in the sense that it implies that whatever it may be was proposed in accordance with some established procedure. So, for example, you could not say, other than in jest, at a restaurant meal with friends "I formally propose we should choose the soup". But a meeting of your local bird-watching society could formally agree to meet more frequently.

To use the word 'officially' implies that the activity is not just procedural but that the procedure flows from some authority (or 'office'). That is slightly less neutral than 'formally' because it suggests that the writer recognises that authority in some sense. So, for example, the Mayor could officially ban meetings of the bird-watching society, but the bird-watchers could only protest formally (because they have no official position).

Improve this answer
2
  • I understand your idea, but does it mean that both officially and formally can be used in the sentence I wrote in my question?
    – Vladimir Nazarenko
    Commented Nov 7, 2018 at 8:28
  • 1
    In that sentence both would work and have identical meaning. If at some earlier stage some minor UN bureaucrat had proposed World Water Day then that would have been officially but not formally proposed. If I had proposed it, then that would be neither officially nor formally.
    – JeremyC
    Commented Nov 7, 2018 at 9:32

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .