# informal

Pronunciation: US say "in-FOR-muhl" /ɪnˈfɔɹm(ə)l/; UK say "in-FAW-muhl" /ɪnˈfɔːm(ə)l/

## Adjective

1. Relaxed in manner or style, without the ceremony or strict conventions of a formal occasion.
   - Simple: Relaxed and easygoing, without strict rules about how to behave or dress.
   - _Their meeting was informal, with everyone sitting on couches instead of around a conference table._
   - _She prefers an informal teaching style that lets students ask questions at any time._
2. Describing language that belongs to everyday, casual speech rather than formal or ceremonious contexts.
   - Simple: Used in everyday speech, not in formal writing or careful talk.
   - _Many dictionaries mark slang and casual contractions as informal._
   - _The letter's informal tone felt out of place in a legal document._
3. Suited to ordinary, day-to-day situations rather than special or formal occasions.
   - Simple: Made for normal, everyday use rather than special occasions.
   - _The restaurant offers informal seating that is perfect for a casual lunch._
   - _He kept an informal blazer on hand for relaxed dinners out._
4. Not done according to the usual rules, official procedures, or required regulations.
   - Simple: Not following the official rules or the proper steps.
   - _The two countries reached an informal agreement that carried no legal force._
   - _He raised the complaint through an informal channel rather than filing official paperwork._
5. Not organized into a planned structure; happening without a set arrangement or system.
   - Simple: Not planned or arranged in an organized way.
   - _The market grew up as an informal network of small traders with no central organization._
   - _Their informal planting scheme let the vegetables spread wherever there was open space._

## Origin

Formed from the prefix "in-" combined with "formal."

Source: DictionaryAI, https://dictionaryai.com/define/informal (written from Wiktionary data, CC BY-SA 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).