adjective
C2
Proficient
nonchalant
NON-shuhl-uhnt
Nonchalant (adjective) means Calm, relaxed, and seemingly unbothered by something that might normally cause concern. Example: “He gave a nonchalant shrug when asked about the missed deadline.”
adjective
1
Calm, relaxed, and seemingly unbothered by something that might normally cause concern.
"He gave a nonchalant shrug when asked about the missed deadline."
"She stayed remarkably nonchalant during the interview, even under tough questions."
How to use nonchalant
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishActing cool, casual, and unconcerned, even when a situation might call for more reaction.
Common pairings
a nonchalant shrug
stay nonchalant
nonchalant attitude
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more nonchalant
- Superlative
- most nonchalant
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He gave a _____ shrug when asked about the missed deadline.
Etymology
From French nonchalant, built from non- ("not") and Latin calere ("to be warm") — literally, "not warming up" about something.
Synonyms
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Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “nonchalant” mean?
The word “nonchalant” means calm, relaxed, and seemingly unbothered by something that might normally cause concern. In plain terms, acting cool, casual, and unconcerned, even when a situation might call for more reaction.
How do you pronounce “nonchalant”?
“Nonchalant” is pronounced NON-shuhl-uhnt (/ˌnɑn.ʃəˈlɑnt/ in IPA).
How do you use “nonchalant” in a sentence?
Here is “nonchalant” used in a sentence: “He gave a nonchalant shrug when asked about the missed deadline.”
What is another word for “nonchalant”?
Words with a similar meaning to “nonchalant” include cool, mellow, easygoing, carefree and unconcerned.
What is the opposite of “nonchalant”?
The opposite of “nonchalant” — its antonyms — are careful, attentive, concerned and chalant.
What part of speech is “nonchalant”?
“Nonchalant” is an adjective.
Where does the word “nonchalant” come from?
The word “nonchalant” comes from Latin. From French nonchalant, built from non- ("not") and Latin calere ("to be warm") — literally, "not warming up" about something.
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