Nonchalant
What it means
Calmly confident and free from visible anxiety.
Reach for it when describing outward ease and lack of visible concern
The nonchalant soloist recovered smoothly from a broken string.
Words to choose between 7
| playful | |
|---|---|
| everyday |
|
| warm | |
| professional | |
| formal | |
| literary |
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playful
Fits when stylish confidence and control suit the voice
Careful Cool is vague and highly context-dependent.
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everyday
casual
Fits when informal ease rather than anxiety is meant
Careful Casual can also suggest insufficient care.
-
warm
Fits when a relaxed disposition is being described
Careful Easygoing is broader and more consistently positive.
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warm
Fits when composure survives a disturbance
Careful Unruffled does not imply indifference.
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professional
Fits when controlled behavior under pressure deserves praise
Careful Composed may conceal intense concern rather than lack it.
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formal
blasé
Fits when overfamiliarity has produced indifference
Careful Blasé is more jaded and usually negative.
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literary
insouciant
Fits when light elegant unconcern is the exact shade
Careful Insouciant is unfamiliar and can sound affected.
Opposites 3
- anxious
- agitated
- concerned
Common phrases 3
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nonchalant manner
His nonchalant manner steadied the nervous rehearsal room.
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appear nonchalant
She tried to appear nonchalant while awaiting the result.
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nonchalant confidence
Nonchalant confidence carried the solo through a broken string.
Usage notes
Keep in mind
Nonchalant can praise composure or criticize indifference; the surrounding consequence determines the tone.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: EncycloPetey, American accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Updated