duly
gb/dˈuli/ us/dˈuli/
B2
English
~ 4800
Senses
0 senses
adverb
formal
B2
property
1
In the proper or expected way
In the correct or expected way, following rules or what is needed.
Usage pattern:
to be duly [verb/participle]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'duly' with 'dually', which means 'in two ways'. They also may overuse it in casual contexts where 'properly' or 'correctly' would sound more natural.
Synonyms
properly (More common in everyday speech and less formal than 'duly'.)
|
appropriately (Focuses on being suitable for the situation; less tied to official rules.)
Antonyms
improperly (Indicates something done in the wrong or unacceptable way.)
Collocations
duly noted
|duly authorized
|duly signed
|duly elected
|duly completed
Themes
law
|business
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The contract was duly signed by both parties.
- She was duly elected as the new chairperson.
- All documents must be duly completed before submission.
- The officer was duly authorized to carry out the inspection.
- He was duly impressed by their hospitality.
Learner examples
- The form was duly signed.
- She was duly chosen as leader.
- The papers were duly sent.
- He was duly told about the rules.
- The job was duly finished.
adverb
formal
B2
property
2
At the expected time
At the right or planned time.
Usage pattern:
to be duly [verb/participle] at [time/event]
Common mistake:
Some learners confuse this with 'daily', which refers to something happening every day.
Synonyms
promptly (Emphasizes speed and lack of delay; less formal than 'duly'.)
|
punctually (Focuses on exactness of timing rather than formality or rules.)
Antonyms
belatedly (Means something happened later than expected or planned.)
Collocations
duly arrived
|duly completed on time
|duly paid
|duly returned
Themes
time
|business
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The payment was duly made on the first of the month.
- He duly arrived at the meeting at nine o'clock sharp.
- The guests were duly seated before the ceremony began.
- All assignments were duly submitted by the deadline.
- The train duly departed at its scheduled time.
Learner examples
- He duly came at 8 o'clock.
- The bill was duly paid.
- She duly sent the letter.
- The bus duly left at 10 a.m.
- We duly gave the report on Monday.
Grammar
Dictionary form
duly
IPA
GB/dˈuli/
US/dˈuli/
Syllables & stress
duly (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (duly)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: duly
- Plural: dulies
Word family
Expressions
duly authorized
1/dˈuli ˈɔθɚˌaɪzd/
fixed phrase
formal
Officially permitted as required by rules
Having the official right to do something, according to rules or law.
Examples
- Only duly authorized personnel may enter this area.
- She is duly authorized to sign contracts on behalf of the company.
duly elected
1/dˈuli ɪlˈɛktɪd/
fixed phrase
formal
Chosen officially and correctly
Chosen for a job or position in the correct and official way.
Examples
- He was duly elected as president by the members.
- The new board was duly elected according to the bylaws.
duly noted
1/dˈuli nˈoʊtɪd/
fixed phrase
formal
Acknowledged as required or appropriate
I understand and accept what you said, usually in a formal way.
Examples
- Your concerns are duly noted and will be addressed.
- The request has been duly noted by the committee.