Nonchalant
adjective /ˌnɒn.ʃəˈlɑːnt/ — Casually unconcerned or indifferent
Definition
Showing a relaxed, casual lack of concern — appearing to be unbothered in a way that seems effortless rather than cultivated.
Beyond the definition
The outward performance of ease. Sometimes genuine; sometimes the most carefully constructed impression in the room.
Origin & history
From French 'non-chalant' — literally 'not warming', from 'chaloir' (to concern, to matter). To be nonchalant is to be unwarmed by the things that usually heat others.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
He accepted the award with a nonchalant wave, as if he'd expected nothing else.
Her nonchalant delivery made the sharp observation even more devastating.
There is something distinctly old money about studied nonchalance.
How to use it
This entry uses an adjective. Follow the examples for the nouns it describes and its position in the sentence.
Choose “Nonchalant” when the meaning fits your context: Showing a relaxed, casual lack of concern — appearing to be unbothered in a way that seems effortless rather than cultivated.
Synonyms
casual, unconcerned, indifferent, breezy, insouciant
Antonyms
anxious, eager, concerned, flustered
Related words
Nonchalant vs insouciant
Nonchalant describes the *appearance* of ease — the studied indifference that can be cultivated and performed. Insouciant suggests something deeper: a genuine inner freedom from concern that doesn't need to be constructed. Both are compliments, but insouciant is rarer and more precise, implying the ease is real rather than rehearsed. The truly insouciant person isn't trying to seem nonchalant.
Questions about this word
What does "Nonchalant" mean?
Nonchalant is adjective meaning: Casually unconcerned or indifferent. Showing a relaxed, casual lack of concern — appearing to be unbothered in a way that seems effortless rather than cultivated.
Where does the word "Nonchalant" come from?
From French 'non-chalant' — literally 'not warming', from 'chaloir' (to concern, to matter). To be nonchalant is to be unwarmed by the things that usually heat others.