Informal: meaning, definitions and examples
๐
informal
[ษชnหfษหrmษl ]
Definition
colloquial language
Relaxed, casual, not formal or stiff.
Synonyms
casual, friendly, laid-back, relaxed, unofficial.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| informal |
Used for situations that are not officially organized or characterized by a relaxed tone without strict rules.
|
| casual |
Refers to situations or interactions that are relaxed and without formality, often in day-to-day life.
|
| unofficial |
Refers to something that is not formally recognized or sanctioned; often used to describe events or communications that are not part of an official process.
|
| relaxed |
Indicates a state or environment that is free from tension and stress.
|
| friendly |
Used to describe actions or situations that are warm, kind, and show goodwill. Often used to emphasize warmth in personal interactions.
|
| laid-back |
Describes a person or situation that is very relaxed, calm, and does not easily get stressed about things.
|
Examples of usage
- He had an informal chat with his boss.
- She wore informal clothes to the party.
- They decided to have an informal meeting to discuss the project.
- The event had a very informal atmosphere.
- I prefer the informal vibe of this coffee shop.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Latin 'informalis' which means 'not having a formal shape'.
- It entered the English language in the 19th century, initially used to describe casual customs or behavior.
- In linguistics, 'informal' can refer to language that is not strictly correct or standard, often used in everyday conversation.
Cultural Context
- In various cultures, the way people greet each other can reflect how informal the setting is, such as first names vs. titles.
- Informal gatherings, like potlucks or barbecues, encourage relaxed social interactions compared to formal events like weddings.
- Pop culture often celebrates informality, with movements like casual Fridays in workplaces promoting a laid-back atmosphere.
Psychology
- Informal communication can foster close relationships, as it allows people to express themselves more freely without fear of judgment.
- Research shows that informal environments can enhance creativity and teamwork, as individuals feel more comfortable sharing ideas.
- Conversational informality can lower anxiety levels, making it easier for people to connect and communicate effectively.
Education
- Informal learning happens outside traditional classrooms, like learning by doing or through casual conversations.
- Teachers often use informal techniques, like games and group chats, to enhance engagement and understanding among students.
- In assessments, informal feedback from peers and educators can lead to personal growth and learning improvements.
Linguistics
- Informal language may include slang, contractions, and colloquialisms, differing significantly from formal speech.
- There are regional variations in informal language, showcasing local culture and social dynamics (e.g., accents, expressions).
- Speakers often adapt their language style based on context, shifting from informal to formal depending on the audience.
Translations
Translations of the word "informal" in other languages:
๐ต๐น informal
๐ฎ๐ณ เค เคจเฅเคชเคเคพเคฐเคฟเค
๐ฉ๐ช informell
๐ฎ๐ฉ informal
๐บ๐ฆ ะฝะตัะพัะผะฐะปัะฝะธะน
๐ต๐ฑ nieformalny
๐ฏ๐ต ใคใณใใฉใผใใซ
๐ซ๐ท informel
๐ช๐ธ informal
๐น๐ท resmรฎ olmayan
๐ฐ๐ท ๋น๊ณต์์ ์ธ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุบูุฑ ุฑุณู ู
๐จ๐ฟ neformรกlnรญ
๐ธ๐ฐ neformรกlny
๐จ๐ณ ้ๆญฃๅผ็
๐ธ๐ฎ neformalno
๐ฎ๐ธ รณformlegur
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะฑะตะนัะตัะผะธ
๐ฌ๐ช แแ แแแคแแชแแแแฃแ แ
๐ฆ๐ฟ qeyri-rษsmi
๐ฒ๐ฝ informal
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #4,262, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.
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