Word
informal
Phoneticsin·for·mal, stress on the second syllable
US/ˌɪnˈfɔɹməɫ/
UK/ɪnfˈɔːməl/
Definitions
01casual style or dress
A2 · Elementary
adj. relaxed and comfortable, rather than official or serious.
adj. characterised by a relaxed style or manner; suited for everyday use rather than official ceremonies.
日本語:カジュアル※
“The party is informal, so you can just wear jeans and a t-shirt.”
“The company maintains an informal dress code to foster a more creative and approachable atmosphere among the staff.”
02language or register
B1 · Intermediate
adj. using everyday words that you would use with friends, not in a serious essay.
adj. denoting a style of writing or speech characterised by common words, contractions, and a conversational tone.
日本語:カジュアル※
“In an informal email to a friend, it is okay to use slang.”
“While the presentation was professional, the speaker used an informal tone to build a quicker rapport with the audience.”
Synonyms
03unofficial or unstructured
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. not following official rules or a fixed plan.
adj. not conducted according to official regulations or structured procedures.
日本語:非公式※
“We had an informal meeting in the hallway to discuss the new project.”
“The two leaders held an informal discussion over dinner, away from the rigid protocols of the official summit.”
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “informal” in context.
Etymology
From in- + formal.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- A2 · ElementaryOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/informal
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0