Informal Meaning
Informal Definition & Usage
Not formal, casual, or relaxed in style or manner, often used in social settings or situations where rules and expectations are less strict.
Examples
- "We had an informal meeting to discuss the new project."
- "The dress code at the party was informal; jeans and a t-shirt were just fine."
- "She prefers informal conversations to formal presentations."
- "The email was written in an informal tone, without any greetings or closings."
- "At the informal gathering, people felt free to speak openly and casually."
Relating to a style of language that is conversational, casual, and used among friends, family, or peers, typically avoiding technical or sophisticated terms.
Examples
- "In informal speech, contractions like 'gonna' and 'wanna' are common."
- "The informal nature of the text made it easier for the audience to relate."
- "She was speaking in an informal way, using everyday language instead of academic jargon."
- "The dialogue in the play was very informal, reflecting the characters' personalities."
- "During the informal interview, the candidate was asked casual questions about their hobbies."
Cultural Context
The term 'informal' originates from the Latin word 'informalis', meaning 'without form'. It is commonly used in both professional and social contexts to describe relaxed or non-rigid situations. In modern usage, it applies broadly across settings such as dress codes, events, language, and even business communication. Informality can vary significantly depending on cultural norms, but generally, it signals ease and comfort over strict protocol or structure.
The Informal Team Meeting
Story
The Informal Team Meeting
At the start of the week, the team gathered in the lounge area, ready for an informal meeting to discuss the progress of their latest project. Unlike previous boardroom-style meetings where formalities were strictly observed, today’s gathering was all about comfort and creativity. Everyone was dressed casually—no suits or ties in sight—and the atmosphere was light, with a sense of camaraderie that made brainstorming ideas feel less like a task and more like a conversation. Sarah, the project manager, kicked things off by saying, ‘Let's keep it informal today, no PowerPoint presentations. Just ideas, questions, and thoughts from everyone.’ The group quickly fell into a rhythm, exchanging ideas without the usual pressure of formal structures. ‘So, what’s the best way to engage with our audience?’ asked Jason, in a tone that felt more like a friendly chat than a meeting. There was no need for rigid schedules or official protocol; they were simply having a discussion with a shared goal. Later, when it was time for lunch, the team sat around the table, enjoying pizza and informal conversation about their weekends. ‘This feels so much easier than those formal meetings,’ said Lucy, taking a bite of her slice. The informality of the meeting had allowed everyone to feel heard, fostering a sense of teamwork that was often missing in more structured, rigid settings. By the end of the afternoon, the team had developed a set of clear strategies, all born from relaxed and open dialogue. The informal nature of the meeting had made all the difference, creating an environment where ideas could flow freely and everyone felt comfortable contributing without the constraints of formality.
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