informal

/in'fɔ:ml/

Thân thiện

A group of friends share an informal meal together.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Not formal or ceremonious: Characterized by a relaxed, casual, or unofficial style, not bound by strict rules, conventions, or formalities.
   • Characteristic of ordinary or familiar conversation: Pertaining to language, dress, or behavior that is suitable for everyday situations rather than official or serious contexts.
   • Not officially recognized or organized: Lacking a formal structure, agreement, or sanction.

Usage and Examples

• Describing atmosphere, manner, or events:
  • The meeting had an informal tone, with everyone speaking freely.
  • We held an informal gathering at my house instead of a formal party.
• Describing language or communication:
  • In informal writing, such as text messages, people often use contractions and slang.
  • His speech was informal and filled with personal anecdotes.
• Describing dress or appearance:
  • The company allows informal attire on Fridays.
  • She wore an informal summer dress to the picnic.

Advanced Usage

• "on an informal basis": in a way that is not official or structured.
  • They agreed to cooperate on an informal basis for now.
• Informal vs. Formal: This contrast is fundamental. "Informal" is the opposite of "formal." Formal settings require strict etiquette, while informal settings are relaxed.
  • A wedding is typically a formal event, while a backyard barbecue is informal.

Variants and Related Words

• Informality (noun): The quality or state of being informal.
  • The informality of the workplace makes it a pleasant environment.
• Informally (adverb): In an informal manner.
  • They met informally to discuss the idea.

Synonyms

• Casual: Relaxed and unconcerned.
• Unofficial: Not authorized or confirmed by authority.
• Colloquial: Used in ordinary or familiar conversation; not formal or literary.
• Relaxed: Free from tension and anxiety.

Antonyms

• Formal: Done in accordance with rules or convention; official.
• Ceremonious: Relating or appropriate to grand and formal occasions.
• Official: Approved by authority or someone in power.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• Informal agreement: An understanding or arrangement that is not legally binding or officially documented.
  • We have an informal agreement to share the costs.
• Informal economy/sector: Economic activity that is not taxed, monitored, or included in a government's Gross National Product (GNP), as opposed to the formal economy.
  • Many people find work in the informal sector.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. having or fostering a warm or friendly and informal atmosphere
   • had a cozy chat
   • a relaxed informal manner
   • an intimate cocktail lounge
   • the small room was cozy and intimate
2. used of spoken and written language
3. not officially recognized or controlled
   • an informal agreement
   • a loose organization of the local farmers
4. not formal
   • conservative people unaccustomed to informal dress
   • an informal free-and-easy manner
   • an informal gathering of friends

Từ đồng nghĩa

• cozy
• intimate
• loose