Informal
/ɪnˈfɔːrməl/
Definitions
2 meaningsNot following strict rules or customs; relaxed and casual.
/ɪnˈfɔːrməl/
Relaxed and not official; suitable for casual occasions
We had an informal chat about the project over coffee.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're hanging out with your friends – it's not like a fancy party with strict rules. 'Informal' means it's chill and relaxed. Like wearing jeans instead of a suit!
👶 For kids: When something is informal, it means it's not fancy. Like playing at the park instead of going to a fancy party!
More Examples
The dress code for the party was informal.
They prefer an informal style of communication in their team.
How It's Used
"An informal get-together with friends."
"An informal meeting to discuss initial ideas."
Characterized by a lack of adherence to established rules, customs, or procedures.
/ɪnˈfɔːrməl/
Not following or enforcing established rules or procedures.
The company's hiring process is quite informal.
💡 Simply: Imagine a shortcut that doesn't need a lot of paperwork or official steps. That's 'informal' in this sense. It's like doing things in a more relaxed, efficient way without all the official rules.
👶 For kids: When you do something informally, you don't have to follow all the rules. It's like building a fort without a plan!
More Examples
They reached an informal agreement to resolve the dispute.
He prefers to handle matters informally.
How It's Used
"An informal agreement was reached between the parties."
"The company's informal organizational structure promotes flexibility."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
Informal economy
The part of an economy that is not taxed or monitored by a government.
"Street vendors often operate within the informal economy."
Informal Fallacy
An error in reasoning that is not due to a flaw in the logical structure of the argument.
"Ad hominem is one type of informal fallacy."
From Latin *informalis*, meaning 'without form' or 'irregular'. The prefix *in-* indicates negation, while *formalis* relates to 'form' or 'manner'. It initially implied lack of adherence to established rules or conventions, evolving to encompass relaxed or casual contexts.
The term 'informal' gained prominence in the 18th century, initially referring to a lack of adherence to established forms and conventions. Its application expanded with the rise of social informality and less hierarchical business practices.
Memory tip
Think of wearing pajamas to a meeting – it's informal!
Word Origin
"without form"