informally

/ɪnˈfɔːməli/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪnˈfɔːrməli/ (ame, ipa) · /(ˈ)in ən+/ (ame, mw)

informally — adverb

1. done without official rules, formal procedures, or established customs being app

1.副詞B1
釋義

done without official rules, formal procedures, or established customs being applied; with a relaxed, ceremony-free manner

例句

The school principal informally asked parents for their views on the new uniform policy.

informally + asked [someone] for [something]

Wei and his teammates informally agreed to arrive early to help set up the food stalls.

informally + agreed + infinitive

同義詞
  • unofficially

    more specifically means 'without official authorization' rather than just 'without formal procedure'

  • casually

    emphasises a relaxed, easy manner rather than the absence of formality

  • off the record

    idiomatic; implies the statement is not meant to be officially quoted

反義詞
  • formally

    the direct opposite — following official rules and customs

  • officially

    specifically with proper authorization or documentation

文法句型

informally + [verb phrase]

clause + informally

用法筆記

Commonly pairs with verbs of communication (ask, discuss, suggest, agree, warn). The action is official in substance but lacks formal documentation or ceremony.

常見錯誤

❌We informally discussed about the budget.
✅We informally discussed the budget.
💡The verb 'discuss' does not take a preposition in English.
❌The contract was informally signed.
✅The contract was signed informally.
💡As an adverb, 'informally' sounds more natural after the verb or at the end of the clause for this meaning.

2. in a relaxed style that is suitable for everyday social activities with friends

2.副詞B1
釋義

in a relaxed style that is suitable for everyday social activities with friends and family, rather than for important official events or formal occasions

例句

Ana dressed informally for the family reunion, wearing sandals and a cotton dress.

dress informally + for [event]

Guests were asked to dress informally for the outdoor dinner party in the garden.

passive: were asked to dress informally

同義詞
  • casually

    more common than 'informally' for describing clothing; suggests a deliberate choice of relaxed style

  • relaxedly

    less common; focuses on the absence of tension rather than the social code

  • conversationally

    limited to speech; means 'in the style of ordinary talk'

反義詞
  • formally

    dressed or behaving according to strict social rules for important events

  • properly

    suggests following expected social codes, which during formal events means being formal

文法句型

dress informally

speak informally

behave informally

verb + informally

用法筆記

Most often describes dress code (dress informally) or level of social formality (speak informally, behave informally). For clothing, 'casually' is a common near-synonym in American English.

常見錯誤

❌She dressed informally to the job interview.
✅She dressed formally / smartly to the job interview.
💡Job interviews are official occasions; 'informally' would be inappropriate.
❌He spoke with her informally, using polite titles like Dr. Chen.
✅He spoke with her formally, using polite titles like Dr. Chen.
💡Using formal titles is the opposite of informal speech.