nonchalant
calmly casual and unconcerned
In more detail
1. (adjective) appearing calm and not worried or concerned about something; not showing that you think something is important
Examples
- 1. She had a nonchalant attitude about the exam, even though she hadn't studied much.
How to use nonchalant
Nonchalant describes someone who deliberately or naturally seems unbothered, often with a subtle coolness or detachment. It differs from indifference in suggesting composed ease rather than emotional distance, and from casual in implying a somewhat studied coolness. Commonly used in literary and conversational contexts to describe behavior or manner of speaking.
Common phrases
- nonchalant attitude
- nonchalant manner
- nonchalant shrug
- sound nonchalant
- appear nonchalant
Synonyms
unconcerned · casual · unworried · blasé · indifferent
Opposites
anxious · concerned · worried
Word family
nonchalantly (adverb) · nonchalance (noun)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse nonchalant with simply being casual or laid-back, missing the connotation of deliberate composure or even emotional distance in the face of something that might reasonably concern others.
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