informal Hear it!

informal definition

in·for·mal (in fôr′məl)

adjective

not formal; specif.,: the label [Informal] is used throughout this dictionary in this sense
  1. not according to prescribed or fixed customs, rules, ceremonies, etc.
  2. casual, easy, unceremonious, or relaxed
  3. designed for use or wear on everyday occasions
  4. not requiring formal dress
  5. designating or of the words, phrases, and idioms characteristic of speech or writing that is casual, ordinary, unceremonious, etc.; colloquial

Related Forms:

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

informal Synonyms

informal

modif.

  1. Without formality

    casual, natural, relaxed, intimate, unceremonious, unstudied, frank, open, straightforward, free, extempore, spontaneous, congenial, easygoing, easy, unconstrained, unrestrained, unconventional, without ceremony, simple, unpretentious, homey; see also colloquial, friendly 1.

    Antonyms restrained*, ceremonial*, ritualistic. *

  2. Not requiring formal dress

    casual, ordinary, everyday, unofficial, habitual, motley, mixed, democratic, shirt-sleeve, sporty*; see also common 1.

    Antonyms formal, dressy, exclusive.


Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

informal Usage Examples

Adjective modifier

  • in-house: Set up in-house training Informal in-house training Learning for most employees comes from informal on-the-job training.

Modifies a noun

  • discussion: There will be an informal discussion at 4.30pm, which will be followed by the AGM at 5.00pm.

Used with adjective complement

  • become: Toward the end of the evening activities became more informal with games of darts, billiards or table tennis.

Noun used with modifier

  • training: Set up in-house training Informal in-house training Learning for most employees comes from informal on-the-job training.

Modifying Another Word

  • relatively: Full course notes and reading lists are provided in addition to lectures, which are relatively informal with class participation.

Preposition: in

  • nature: The hearing, which is informal in nature, will normally be held at the office of the Employment Tribunals Service nearest to you.
informal usage examples (more)

The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.

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MLA Style

"informal." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009

  • Your Dictionary. 5 July 2009
  • <www.yourdictionary.com/informal>

APA Style

informal. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary

  • Retrieved July 5th, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/informal

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