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informal

 - 4 dictionary results

in⋅for⋅mal

  [in-fawr-muhl]
Use informal in a Sentence
–adjective
1. without formality or ceremony; casual: an informal visit.
2. not according to the prescribed, official, or customary way or manner; irregular; unofficial: informal proceedings.
3. suitable to or characteristic of casual and familiar, but educated, speech or writing.
4. Grammar. characterizing the second singular pronominal or verbal form, or its use, in certain languages: the informal tu in French.
Origin:
1595–1605; in- 3 + formal 1

Related forms:
in⋅for⋅mal⋅ly, adverb

Synonyms:
1. natural, easy. 2. unconventional. 3. See colloquial.

Antonyms:
2. conventional.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To informal
in·for·mal   (ĭn-fôr'məl)   
adj.  

  1. Not formal or ceremonious; casual: an informal gathering of friends; a relaxed, informal manner.

  2. Not being in accord with prescribed regulations or forms; unofficial: an informal agreement.

  3. Suited for everyday wear or use: informal clothes.

  4. Being more appropriate for use in the spoken language than in the written language.

in·for'mal·ly adv.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

informal 
1608, "irregular, unofficial," from in- "not" + formal (q.v.). Sense of "done without ceremony" is from 1828.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Legal Dictionary

Main Entry: in·for·mal
Function: adjective
: marked by the absence of required forms or procedures or by the relaxation of prescribed rules informal hearing>
Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law, © 1996 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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