English Reference
Adverb

informally

adv. manner
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˌɪnˈfɔɹməɫi/ UK /ɪnfˈɔːməli/ in·for·mal·ly

adv.in a relaxed way that does not follow strict rules or official styles. You use this when you are talking to friends or in a casual setting.

adv.in a manner that is relaxed, casual, or unofficial. Often describes communication that avoids technical jargon or rigid social protocols.


SIMPLE

We usually dress informally for our Friday meetings.

CONTEXTUAL

The two leaders met informally over dinner to discuss the trade agreement before the official summit began.

COMPLEX

Although the policy was never written down, it was informally understood among the staff that they could take longer breaks during the summer months.

Usage

Typically follows the verb it modifies or appears at the end of the clause.

Photograph: Ukrinform/Shutterstock An empty building, sometimes used informally as a shelter, in the middle of a car park was destroyed in a strike at about midnight.

The Guardian· 20 Aug 2026

From informal + -ly.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated