informally

[ in-fawr-muh-lee ]

adverb

1. in a casual manner, without formality:

   Some folks still dress to the nines in formal gowns and tuxedos, but most people dress more informally.

2. in a way that does not involve or follow prescribed procedures or go through formal or official channels:

   Cases of minor misconduct or unsatisfactory performance are usually best dealt with informally.

3. in a way that is not orchestrated or arranged:

   Hallways and pedestrian bridges joining the buildings provide spaces for researchers to interact informally.

4. using familiar, casual, or ordinary speech or writing:

   We use different registers, speaking more informally with family and friends out of the classroom than when discussing academics within the classroom.

Other Words From

• qua·si-in·for·mal·ly adverb
• su·per·in·for·mal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of informally¹

informal ( def ) + -ly

Example Sentences

Debbie has spoken "very informally" to her children about epilepsy.

From BBC

There’s genuine collegiality amongst the half-dozen candidates, several of whom have been informally running together and lifting each other up, thanks to the new ranked choice system.

From Salon

Wimberley started his PBA informally, by inviting neighbors over to burn his land; “kind of an old-school thing,” he said.

From Salon

The starting gun was informally fired when Ross announced his plans to stand down during the UK general election campaign.

From BBC

The Globe of Steel is also informally considered one of the 10 most dangerous circus acts, along with fire breathing and sword swallowing.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• commonly
• consistently
• easily
• generally
• instinctively
• normally
• simply
• spontaneously
• typically
• uniformly
• usually