Deformalized

Part of speech: adjective, verb

Definitions

1. To make something less formal or structured, often reducing rigidity or established protocols
2. Referring to the action of diminishing formal characteristics in a system or process
3. Involving the alteration of conventional norms to foster a more relaxed or casual atmosphere

Etymology: "Deformalized" is the past tense and past participle of "deformalize," which is formed from the prefix "de-" attached to "formalize." The prefix "de-" comes from Latin and generally means "reverse" or "remove," as in "decode" or "defrost," so "deformalize" means to remove formality from something, undoing the rules, stiffness, or ceremony that formalizing had imposed. "Formalize" itself is the older base, built from "formal" with the verb ending "-ize," which turns an adjective into a verb meaning to make something conform to a particular form or set of rules. Putting the two together gives a word that describes stripping away official structure, so that an institution, meeting, or process becomes more relaxed and casual.

Synonyms: simplified, casual, informal

Antonyms: formalized, formal