Informalizes

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. Makes something less formal in style or structure ; introduces a casual or relaxed character to a situation, language, or process ; reduces official, ceremonious, or rigid qualities in an environment
2. Changes the tone, behavior, or procedures to be more casual rather than formal ; gives a setting, communication, or system a more relaxed quality ; adapts something to feel less strict or official
3. Adjusts manners, rules, or language so they are more easygoing or spontaneous instead of formal ; imposes a laid-back character onto formal contexts ; transforms official or stiff situations into ones with a friendly or casual atmosphere

Etymology: The verb in question is a modern formation built on the adjective "informal," which itself dates back to the late 17th century. "Informal" derives from the Latin "informalis," meaning "without form," from "in-" (not) plus "formalis" (formal). The adjective describes something lacking strict formality, ceremony, or rigid rules. Over time, English speakers began to create verbs from adjectives by adding the suffix "-ize," a productive ending imported from French and ultimately from Greek "-izein," which means "to make" or "to become." The verb here means to make something informal, to render it less formal or official. This process of verbing adjectives is common in English, especially in the 19th and 20th centuries, as the language became more flexible and expressive. The addition of "-ize" often transforms a static quality into a dynamic action, allowing speakers to talk about causing or undergoing a change in state. The extended form with the suffix "-es" simply marks the third person singular present tense, a standard English verb conjugation. Although this verb does not have a long history, it follows a clear pattern of English word formation that allows speakers to adapt and play with language to suit changing social and communicative needs. Because it is a transparent and straightforward derivation, this verb likely entered informal and conversational usage rather than being coined by a particular author or appearing first in a notable text. Its existence reflects the ongoing linguistic flexibility and creativity in English, especially in the realm of social registers and styles.

Synonyms: casualizes, relaxes, simplifies, unofficializes

Antonyms: formalizes, officializes, regulates, standardizes