informality
C1Formal (when describing the concept itself), but the quality it describes is neutral-to-informal.
Definition
Meaning
The quality or state of not being formal; relaxedness, casualness.
The state of being casual or unofficial; a situation where conventions and formal rules are absent or disregarded. Can refer to behaviour, language, dress, or the nature of an event or organisation.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Noun form of the adjective 'informal'. It is an abstract, uncountable noun denoting a quality or state. Often implies a positive or neutral connotation of comfort and lack of pretension, but can sometimes imply a lack of seriousness or respect in certain contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The word is used identically in both varieties.
Connotations
Slightly more commonly associated with British understatement in describing social situations (e.g., 'a pleasing informality'). In American usage, it might be more directly associated with workplace culture or dress codes.
Frequency
Similar frequency in both dialects. Possibly slightly more frequent in UK English in social commentary.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
the informality of [noun phrase]an atmosphere of informalitya sense of informalityVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No specific idioms, but often found in phrases like 'a studied informality' (deliberately casual).”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to corporate culture, e.g., 'The startup prided itself on its informality, with no strict dress code.'
Academic
Used in sociology, linguistics, and business studies to describe social interactions or organisational structures.
Everyday
Commonly used to describe social gatherings, dress codes, or communication styles, e.g., 'We appreciated the informality of the barbecue.'
Technical
In linguistics, may describe register (informal speech). In law, may refer to non-judicial proceedings.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The meeting was conducted informally.
- He dresses informally on Fridays.
American English
- We communicate informally via instant message.
- The policy is applied informally in practice.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The party was fun because of its informality.
- I prefer the informality of a coffee shop meeting to a formal office.
- The company's culture is defined by a deliberate informality that encourages open communication.
- The studied informality of his speech belied a meticulously prepared argument.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: IN-FORMAL-ITY. It's simply the noun form (ITY) of being NOT (IN) FORMAL.
Conceptual Metaphor
FORMALITY IS RIGIDITY / CONSTRAINT, therefore INFORMALITY IS FREEDOM / FLEXIBILITY.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'неформальность' when it implies 'unofficial' or 'underground'. English 'informality' is primarily about style, not legal/formal status. The Russian word can have a stronger counter-cultural connotation.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'informal' as a noun (e.g., 'He likes informal' -> 'He likes informality').
- Misspelling as 'informalety' or 'informallity'.
- Confusing 'informality' (state) with 'informal' (adjective).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is closest in meaning to 'informality' in a social context?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is usually neutral or positive, suggesting comfort and lack of pretence. However, in contexts requiring respect or ceremony (e.g., a court, a state funeral), it can have a negative connotation.
No, 'informality' is an uncountable (mass) noun. You cannot say 'an informality' or 'informalities' in standard usage when referring to the general quality.
They are very close synonyms. 'Informality' is slightly more formal as a word and can apply to systems and procedures. 'Casualness' often describes manner or appearance more directly and can sometimes imply a degree of carelessness.
In British English: /ˌɪnfɔːˈmæləti/. In American English: /ˌɪnfɔːrˈmæləti/. The main difference is the rhotic /r/ sound in 'for' in the American pronunciation.
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