Colloquial vs. Informal — What's the Difference?

(of language) used in ordinary or familiar conversation; not formal or literary

Not formal or ceremonious; casual

Characteristic of or appropriate to the spoken language or to writing that seeks the effect of speech; informal.

Not being in accord with prescribed regulations or forms; unofficial

Relating to conversation; conversational.

Suited for everyday wear or use

(linguistics) Characteristic of familiar conversation, of common parlance; informal.

Characterized by nontechnical vocabulary, simple sentence structure, and relatively few explicit transitions, as typified by spoken language

Of or pertaining to a conversation; conversational or chatty.

Not formal or ceremonious.

A colloquial word or phrase, colloquialism

Not in accord with the usual regulations.

Pertaining to, or used in, conversation, esp. common and familiar conversation; conversational; hence, unstudied; informal; as, colloquial intercourse; colloquial phrases; a colloquial style.

Suited for everyday use.

Characteristic of informal spoken language or conversation;

(of language) Reflecting everyday, non-ceremonious usage.

(gardening) Not organized; not structured or planned.

Not in the regular, usual, or established form; not according to official, conventional, prescribed, or customary forms or rules; irregular; hence, without ceremony; as, an informal writing, proceeding, or visit.

Deranged in mind; out of one's senses.

Not formal;

Not officially recognized or controlled;

Used of spoken and written language

Having or fostering a warm or friendly atmosphere; especially through smallness and informality;