adjective

informal

Relaxed and not governed by strict conventions or official procedures.

Our team holds informal meetings over coffee every Friday morning.

Etymology

The negative prefix removes strict formality. Informal describes situations or behavior that operate without the full conventions and procedures expected of an official setting.

More examples

  • The invitation says informal clothes are fine.
  • We have an informal agreement to share the driveway.
  • Her informal writing style makes the guide easy to read.

Forms

informal

informally adverb — In a relaxed or unofficial way.

informality noun — The quality of being relaxed or unofficial.

Similar words

casual
Emphasizes everyday ease rather than ceremony or careful preparation.
relaxed
Emphasizes freedom from tension rather than rules or procedures.
unofficial
Specifically lacks formal approval or authority, without necessarily being relaxed.