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informal

adjective
in·​for·​mal | \ (ËŒ)in-ˈfȯr-mÉ™l How to pronounce informal (audio) \

Definition of informal

1 : marked by the absence of formality or ceremony an informal meeting
2 : characteristic of or appropriate to ordinary, casual, or familiar use informal clothes
Other Words from informal Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about informal

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Other Words from informal

informality \ (ËŒ)in-​(ËŒ)fȯr-​ˈma-​lÉ™-​tÄ“ How to pronounce informality (audio) , -​fÉ™r-​ \ noun
informally \ (ËŒ)in-​ˈfȯr-​mÉ™-​lÄ“ How to pronounce informally (audio) \ adverb

Examples of informal in a Sentence

We had an informal meeting over lunch. He has an informal manner that puts people at ease. He spoke to them in informal Spanish. The term is common in informal contexts. He took an informal poll among his coworkers.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 Though writing has historically been a more formal way of conveying information, these newer methods are informal. — Dan Kopf, Quartzy, "The rise of all-lowercase and all-uppercase song titles," 21 Aug. 2019 On the morning of the Ghazni attack, Taliban representatives met separately in Doha with a group of Afghan officials and citizens for informal discussions about a possible road map to peace. — Fatima Faizi, New York Times, "‘It’s Like a Nightmare’: For Bombing Survivors, Anguish That Won’t Stop," 6 Aug. 2019 Until this week, Biden’s preparations largely centered around reading detailed policy briefings books assembled by his team, and informal discussions to sound out potential strategies. — NBC News, "Some 2020 Democrats start ad buys in key states ahead of first debate," 26 June 2019 Saher said courtesy reviews, which involve informal discussions between developers and officials over preliminary proposals, were required within the village only up until July 2016. — Phil Rockrohr, chicagotribune.com, "New retail center receives approval to replace former Giordano’s restaurant in Lake Zurich," 26 June 2019 The president attacked the Fed for not lowering rates at an informal gathering in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, where no such action was under consideration. — Paul Wiseman, Washington Post, "Trump raises tariffs on Chinese goods as trade war escalates," 24 Aug. 2019 The president attacked the Fed for not lowering rates at an informal gathering in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, where no such action was under consideration. — Joe Mcdonald, Twin Cities, "Trump raises tariffs on Chinese goods as trade war escalates," 23 Aug. 2019 Earlier on Sunday, the Levitt Pavilion in Dayton held an informal prayer gathering on its lawn. — CBS News, "Vigil brings together Dayton, Ohio, after 9 killed in mass shooting," 4 Aug. 2019 The idea for Indyfluence emerged from talent summit, an informal gathering of human resources and business leaders in Central Indiana. — Alexandria Burris, Indianapolis Star, "Indy employers are facing a deep talent shortage. Here’s one way they’re fighting it.," 23 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'informal.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of informal

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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More Definitions for informal

informal

adjective
How to pronounce informal (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of informal

: having a friendly and relaxed quality
: suited for ordinary use when you are relaxing
of language : relaxed in tone : not suited for serious or official speech and writing

See the full definition for informal in the English Language Learners Dictionary

informal

adjective
in·​for·​mal | \ in-ˈfȯr-mÉ™l How to pronounce informal (audio) \

Kids Definition of informal

1 : not requiring serious or formal behavior or dress an informal party
2 : suitable for ordinary or everyday use an informal dining area

Other Words from informal

informally adverb

informal

adjective
in·​for·​mal

Legal Definition of informal

: marked by the absence of required forms or procedures or by the relaxation of prescribed rules an informal hearing

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More from Merriam-Webster on informal

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for informal

Spanish Central: Translation of informal

Nglish: Translation of informal for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of informal for Arabic Speakers

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