nonchalant
pronunciation
How to pronounce nonchalant in British English:
UK [ˈnɒnʃələnt]
How to pronounce nonchalant in American English:
US [ˌnɑnʃəˈlɑnt]
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- Adjective:
- marked by blithe unconcern
Word Origin
- nonchalant
- nonchalant: [18] To be nonchalant is etymologically ‘not to get hot under the collar’. The word comes from French nonchalant, an adjective formed with the prefix non- ‘not’ from the present participle of the verb chaloir ‘be concerned’. This goes back ultimately to Latin calēre ‘be hot’ (a relative of English calorie and cauldron).=> calorie, cauldron, lukewarm
- nonchalant (adj.)
- 1734, from French nonchalant, present participle of nonchaloir "be indifferent to, have no concern for" (13c.), from non- "not" (see non-) + chaloir "have concern for," ultimately from Latin calere "be hot" (see calorie). French chaland "customer, client" is of the same origin. Related: Nonchalantly.
Synonym
Example
- 1. To them , it is obvious why people are so nonchalant about the terms .
- 2. I tried to sound nonchalant , but it came out as defensive .
- 3. I am not saying start being nasty . All I am advocating is to be nonchalant .
- 4. He was excited but still very nonchalant .
- 5. I try to be as nonchalant and casual as possible while we have lunch .