Word
informally
Phoneticsin·for·mal·ly, stress on the second syllable
US/ˌɪnˈfɔɹməɫi/
UK/ɪnfˈɔːməli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
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.
Examples
“We usually dress informally for our Friday meetings.”
“The two leaders met informally over dinner to discuss the trade agreement before the official summit began.”
“Although the policy was never written down, it was informally understood among the staff that they could take longer breaks during the summer months.”
Examples
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.
Real-World Examples
“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 Queen of Christmas - informally if not legally - may be number one in her native America, but she's in at number three here with her sonic celebration of romance over gifts.” “Imagine a doctor informally discussing possible causes of a patient’s symptoms.” Etymology
From informal + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/informally