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Synonyms

informally

American  
[in-fawr-muh-lee] / ɪnˈfɔr mə li /

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 Word Forms

  • quasi-informally adverb
  • superinformally adverb

Etymology

Origin of informally

informal ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

She has said Epstein “also informally reached out to me for advice from time to time just as he did with numerous other prominent lawyers throughout the country.”

From The Wall Street Journal

It requires that all wills should be filed with the probate court when they are discovered, even if probate has already been informally initiated or some assets were already distributed.

From MarketWatch

More notable than the snowfall itself was the prolonged blast of extreme cold that followed, hardening snow into what has been informally dubbed "snowcrete" and making cleanup efforts especially difficult.

From Barron's

“I’m a software engineer, but informally I’m the liaison between the tech guys and marketing. I speak both languages.”

From Literature

Liverpool City Council said it had visited the building "informally" in February 2023 "to check room sizes for intended occupancy" and whether the fire alarm system was suitable.

From BBC