informalmente

Informalmente is an adverb used in Spanish and Portuguese to indicate that an action is performed in an informal or casual manner. It is the adverbial form of the adjective informal, formed with the -mente suffix in both languages. The term is commonly employed to describe speech, behavior, or presentation styles that are not formal, as opposed to more formal expressions such as formalmente or de forma formal.

Etymology and form: The word derives from the adjective informal in each language, which itself traces to Latin informalis, from in- (not) + form- (form). The suffix -mente is the standard way to create adverbs from adjectives in Spanish and Portuguese, yielding informalmente.

Usage and register: In everyday language, informalmente is widely understood and used to characterize non-formal manners of speaking or acting. In more formal or academic writing, speakers and writers may prefer alternatives such as de forma informal or de modo informal to keep a neutral or formal tone. The choice can reflect regional preferences or the desired level of formality.

Cross-linguistic notes: While Spanish and Portuguese share the same adverbial formation, stylistic conventions can vary by country or genre. In both languages, informalmente often appears in journalism, informal analysis, or conversational transcripts, as well as in instructions or guidelines that describe tone without altering factual content.

Examples:

Spanish: El portavoz habló informalmente con los periodistas. Informalmente, el equipo ha mostrado entusiasmo pero aún no ha formalizado las decisiones.

Portuguese: Ela respondeu informalmente aos colegas. O relatório foi apresentado de forma informal, sem jargões técnicos.