How to pronounce informal
Say it like in-FOR-mul. Informal has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FOR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce informal. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- in
- FOR
- mul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Informal pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- inGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- FORSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- mulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of informal
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: in-FAW-mul.
What does informal mean?
- not formal“conservative people unaccustomed to informal dress”“an informal free-and-easy manner”
- not officially recognized or controlled“an informal agreement”“a loose organization of the local farmers”
- used of spoken and written language
Where does informal come from?
From in- + formal.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with informal
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of informal.
Questions about saying informal
How do you pronounce informal?
Say in-FOR-mul. The American pronunciation is /ˌɪnˈfɔrməl/. In British English it is /ɪnˈfɔːməl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in informal?
Informal has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FOR). Broken into parts: in · FOR · mul.
Is informal pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ɪnˈfɔːməl/ (in-FAW-mul).