Unformalizes

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

To reverse the act of making something formal or official, restoring it to a less structured or informal state
To undo the process of formalization, turning a formal condition, rule, or status back into an informal or relaxed one
The action of removing formal characteristics from an object, system, or situation, making it more casual or unofficial again

Etymology: The verb in question is formed by adding the prefix "un-" and the suffix "-izes" to the base "formal," which itself derives from the Latin "formalis," meaning "pertaining to form or shape." The root "formal" entered English in the late Middle Ages, initially relating to following established forms or rules, especially in dress, manners, or official procedures. The prefix "un-" is a common English negation, originating from Old English "un-," meaning "not" or "opposite of." When attached to adjectives or verbs, it reverses the meaning. The suffix "-ize" (and its variant "-ise") is borrowed from French "-iser," which in turn comes from Greek "-izein," indicating the process of making or becoming. Putting these parts together, "unformalize" means to reverse the act of making something formal—that is, to remove formal qualities or structure. The verb form "unformalizes" is simply the third person singular present tense of this construction. While "formalize" has been in use since the 18th century to mean "to make formal," "unformalize" is much rarer and often appears in specialized or informal contexts, reflecting a back-formation or playful coinage rather than a long-established term. This construction illustrates how English allows for productive creation of verbs by combining negating prefixes and verb-forming suffixes with adjectives. It also shows how meanings evolve by affixing layers that can invert or modify the base sense. While "unformalizes" is not widespread, it follows a recognizable pattern in English verb formation.

Synonyms: informalizes, casualizes

Antonyms: formalizes, structures