Informality — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective noun /(ˌ)in-ˈfȯr-məl/ in·for·mal

Meaning & Definition of Informality

Informality (adjective)

  1. marked by the absence of formality or ceremony
  2. characteristic of or appropriate to ordinary, casual, or familiar use

Informality (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in casualness, relaxedness

    similar: casualness, easygoingness, laid-backness, relaxedness, comity, concord, harmony, mildness, soothingness, silence, lull, pause, respite, calm, calmness, hush, peace, peacefulness, placidity, quiet, quietness, quietude, repose, restfulness, sereneness, serenity, still, stillness, tranquility
    opposite: bustle, commotion, hubbub, hurly-burly, pandemonium, tumult, turmoil, unquietness, unrest, uproar, clamor, din, noise, racket

Related Entry: Informal (adjective)

Informal is a different word from Informality. The synonyms below are for informal, not for informality.

  1. not rigidly following established form, custom, or rules

    "an informal meeting allowed everyone to get acquainted"

    similar: heterodox, irregular, unceremonious, unconventional, unorthodox
    related: unauthorized, unofficial, casual, easygoing, familiar, free and easy, lax, loose, offhand, relaxed, ultracasual
    opposite: ceremonial, ceremonious, conventional, formal, orthodox, regular, routine
    near: correct, decorous, proper, constrained, inhibited, restrained, rigid, stiff, stuffy, uptight

  2. not designed to be worn only on special occasions

    "chose an informal flowery dress"

    similar: casual, everyday, workaday
    related: dégagé, relaxed, sporty, dressed down, shabby, sloppy, slovenly, unkempt
    opposite: dressy, formal, noncasual
    near: best, Sunday, dressed up, chic, elegant, fashionable, smart, stylish, neat, tidy, trim, semiformal

  3. used in or suitable for speech and not formal writing

    "the use of informal language in a scholarly article is really inappropriate"

    similar: colloquial, conversational, nonformal, nonliterary, unbookish, unliterary, vernacular, vulgar
    related: dialectal, dialectical, nonstandard, regional, incorrect, nongrammatical, substandard, uneducated, ungrammatical, unlearned, slang, slangy
    opposite: bookish, formal, learned, literary
    near: standard, undialectical, correct, educated, genteel, grammatical, proper

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Informality

The most common words with a similar meaning to Informality:

casualness, easygoingness, laid-backness, relaxedness, comity, concord, harmony, mildness, soothingness, silence, lull, pause, respite, calm, calmness, hush, peace, peacefulness, placidity, quiet, quietness, quietude, repose, restfulness, sereneness, serenity, still, stillness, tranquility

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Informality

Words with the opposite meaning of Informality:

bustle, commotion, hubbub, hurly-burly, pandemonium, tumult, turmoil, unquietness, unrest, uproar, clamor, din, noise, racket

Word Forms of Informality

Derived words: informality (noun), informally (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Informality

First known use: 15th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Informality

What does "Informality" mean?

"Informality" means marked by the absence of formality or ceremony. As an an adjective and a noun, it is defined as: marked by the absence of formality or ceremony.

What is another word for "Informality"?

Other words for "Informality" include casualness, easygoingness, laid-backness, relaxedness, comity, concord, harmony and mildness. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Informality" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Informality"?

There are 29 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Informality". Common alternatives include casualness, easygoingness, laid-backness, relaxedness, comity, concord, harmony, mildness, soothingness and silence.

What is the opposite of "Informality"?

Antonyms of "Informality" include bustle, commotion, hubbub, hurly-burly, pandemonium, tumult, turmoil and unquietness.

Is "Informality" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Informality" can be used as an adjective and a noun, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Informality"?

"Informality" is pronounced /(ˌ)in-ˈfȯr-məl/ and divided into syllables as in·for·mal.

What is the origin of the word "Informality"?

First known use: 15th century.

What is another word for "Informality" meaning "as in casualness, relaxedness"?

When "Informality" (noun) means as in casualness, relaxedness, synonyms include casualness, easygoingness, laid-backness, relaxedness, comity and concord. Opposites in this sense include bustle, commotion, hubbub and hurly-burly.