informal English · revision 15321

+ {{infobox|confidence=established|formation=derivation|attested=before 1460}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA: /ɪnˈfɔː.m(ə)l/ ''(UK)''; /ɪnˈfɔɹ.m(ə)l/ ''(US)''^(Wiktionary)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is [[af|en|in-|formal]], in- meaning not.^(Barnhart 1988)^(Etymonline)^(MWU 2024)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ Lacking form, not according to the rules of formal logic: before 1460 in Barnhart, the mid-15th century in Etymonline.^(Barnhart 1988)^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ Irregular or unofficial, not according to rule or custom, is from about 1600 (1608 in the OED),^(Etymonline)^(OED 1989) and done without ceremony by 1828.^(Etymonline)^(OED 1989) Disordered in mind is an obsolete sense from 1603.^(OED 1989) In Australia and New Zealand an informal vote is a spoilt ballot, from 1957.^(OED 1989) Language suited to everyday conversation rather than formal writing is in modern dictionaries.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * before 1460 – lacking form.^(Barnhart 1988)

+ * 1608 – irregular, unofficial.^(OED 1989)

+ * 1828 – unceremonious.^(Etymonline)^(OED 1989)

+ * 1957 – an informal vote (Australia, NZ).^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Modern meaning==

+ ===Adjective===

+ # Relaxed and friendly; not formal or [[ceremonious]]: ''an informal lunch''.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # Unofficial; not in accordance with set rules: ''an informal agreement''.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # Of language, suited to everyday conversation rather than formal writing; [[colloquial]].^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # Of clothes, suited to everyday wear; [[casual]].^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+

+ ==Word family==

+ * [[informally]]

+ * [[informality]]

+ * [[superinformal]]

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[formal]]

+ * [[form]]

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}