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adjective

nonchalant

/nɒnʃəˈlɑːnt/  ·  say it: non·shuh·LAHNT

calmly casual and unconcerned

In Personality & Character

In more detail

1. (adjective) appearing calm and not worried or concerned about something; not showing that you think something is important

Examples

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

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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