Informality: meaning, definitions and examples

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informality

 

[ ˌɪn.fɔːˈmæl.ə.ti ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

in conversation

The state or quality of being informal; lack of formality or ceremony. Informality is often appreciated in casual settings.

Synonyms

casualness, ease, relaxed atmosphere.

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Word Description / Examples
informality

Use this term when referring to the absence of strict rules, protocols, or formality in a situation or setting.

  • The informality of the meeting allowed everyone to speak freely
casualness

This is best used to describe a general approach or behavior that is relaxed, unceremonious, or informal.

  • Her casualness at the job interview made her appear unprepared
relaxed atmosphere

This phrase is suitable for describing an environment that is calm, stress-free, and informal.

  • The café had a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a long day
ease

Apply this word when you want to convey a sense of comfort, simplicity, or lack of difficulty in a situation.

  • He completed the task with ease, showing his proficiency

Examples of usage

  • The informality of the gathering allowed everyone to relax and be themselves.
  • His informality in the office made him approachable to his colleagues.
Context #2 | Noun

in writing

An informal manner or style. Informality in writing can be effective for creating a more conversational tone.

Synonyms

casual style, colloquialism, conversational tone.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
informality

Used to describe behavior, speech, or writing that does not follow formal conventions. It often implies a relaxed or unceremonious attitude.

  • The informality of the meeting allowed everyone to speak freely
  • His informality in dress made him approachable
casual style

Refers to a manner of speaking or writing that is relaxed and friendly, often used in everyday conversation or informal settings.

  • She adopted a casual style in her emails to colleagues
  • The casual style of the party made everyone feel comfortable
colloquialism

Involves the use of informal words or phrases that are generally understood within a particular region or group. This term often carries a sense of local or familiar speech.

  • The book is filled with colloquialisms, making it harder for non-native speakers to understand
  • 'Y'all' is a common colloquialism in the southern United States
conversational tone

Describes a way of speaking or writing that mimics natural, everyday conversation, often used to make the listener or reader feel at ease.

  • The podcast had a conversational tone, making it easy to listen to
  • Her speech had a conversational tone, engaging the entire audience

Examples of usage

  • The informality of her writing style made the book engaging and relatable.
  • The use of contractions adds informality to the text.

Translations

Translations of the word "informality" in other languages:

🇵🇹 informalidade

🇮🇳 अनौपचारिकता

🇩🇪 Informalität

🇮🇩 informalitas

🇺🇦 неформальність

🇵🇱 nieformalność

🇯🇵 非公式

🇫🇷 informalité

🇪🇸 informalidad

🇹🇷 resmiyet dışı

🇰🇷 비공식

🇸🇦 غير رسمي

🇨🇿 neformálnost

🇸🇰 neformálnosť

🇨🇳 非正式

🇸🇮 neformalnost

🇮🇸 óformlegheit

🇰🇿 бейресмилік

🇬🇪 არაფორმალურობა

🇦🇿 qeyri-rəsmi

🇲🇽 informalidad

Etymology

The word 'informality' originated in the mid-19th century from the combination of 'informal' + '-ity'. The concept of informality has evolved over time as societal norms have changed, with a greater emphasis on casual interactions and relaxed settings. Informality is now valued in many aspects of life, from social gatherings to communication styles.

See also: disinformation, inform, informally, informant, informatics, information, informative, informed, informer, informers, informing, misinform, misinformation, misinformed, misinforming, uninformed.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,883, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.