informally

Everyday

1. In a relaxed, friendly, everyday way, not following strict rules or formal manners. tree →
2. Unofficially; not as part of an official process: they agreed informally. tree →
3. (language) Using casual words, slang or chatty style rather than formal language. tree →

In the lessons

In English lessons, pupils learn when to write formally (letters to the council, reports) and informally (messages to friends, diaries); register matters. In everyday life, «dress informally» means casual clothes; «known informally as» gives a nickname. Phrases: speak informally, dress informally, known informally as, informally agreed.

Examples

• You can write informally in a text to your friend. tree →
• We dressed informally for the class picnic. tree →
• The Houses of Parliament clock is informally known as Big Ben. tree →
• The teachers met informally in the staff room. tree →
• «Gonna» is how people say «going to» informally. tree →
• They informally agreed to swap stickers. tree →

Note

Adjective «informal»; opposite «formally». Informal does not mean wrong: «can't», «kids», «gonna» are fine in chat but usually not in exam writing. A big skill is matching your language to the situation.