casually
gb/kˈæʒuəli/ us/kˈæʒuəli/
B1
English
~ 1700
Senses
0 senses
adverb
B1
property
1
In a relaxed or informal way
In a way that is relaxed and not too serious.
Usage pattern:
to do [something] casually
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'casually' with 'carelessly'. 'Casually' means without formality, not necessarily without care.
Synonyms
informally (Slightly more formal and less about attitude; focuses on being not formal in style.)
Antonyms
formally (Opposite in terms of style and manner — with seriousness and formality.)
Collocations
dress casually
|speak casually
|act casually
|casually mention
|walk casually
Themes
daily life
|communication
|behavior
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- He strolled casually down the street, enjoying the sunshine.
- She casually mentioned that she had met the mayor.
- They chatted casually over coffee.
- I dressed casually for the picnic.
- He glanced casually at the clock before leaving.
Learner examples
- He walked casually into the room.
- She spoke casually to her friend.
- We dressed casually for the party.
- He looked casually at the picture.
- They talked casually after lunch.
adverb
B2
property
2
Without serious intent or commitment
Without making a serious plan or promise.
Usage pattern:
to do [something] casually
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this with being 'relaxed'. Here it means not taking something seriously, not just being calm.
Synonyms
lightly (Suggests doing something without much weight or importance given to it.)
Antonyms
seriously (With strong intent, focus, or commitment.)
Collocations
casually date
|casually agree
|casually accept
|casually promise
Themes
relationships
|work
|behavior
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- They were casually dating for a few months.
- He casually agreed to help but never followed through.
- She was only casually interested in the project.
- He casually accepted the invitation without checking his schedule.
Learner examples
- They are casually dating.
- He casually said yes to the job.
- She is casually looking for work.
- I am only casually interested in sports.
adverb
B2
property
3
By chance or without planning
Happening without planning it first.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse this with 'accidentally', which can imply an error or mistake. 'Casually' here just means unplanned.
Synonyms
coincidentally (Focuses more on coincidence rather than lack of planning.)
Antonyms
deliberately (Done with intention or planning.)
Collocations
meet casually
|casually encounter
Themes
events
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
|daily_life
Examples
- We met casually at the supermarket.
- She casually ran into an old friend downtown.
- I casually discovered a new café while walking home.
Learner examples
- I met him casually in the park.
- She casually saw her teacher in the shop.
- We casually met on the bus.
Grammar
Dictionary form
casually
IPA
GB/kˈæʒuəli/
US/kˈæʒuəli/
Syllables & stress
cas - u - ally (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (cas)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: casually
- Plural: casuallies
Word family
Expressions
casually date
1/kˈæʒuəli dˈeɪt/
fixed phrase
Have romantic meetings without commitment
To go out with someone romantically but not in a serious relationship.
Examples
- They have been casually dating for two months.
- I am just casually dating right now.
casually mention
1/kˈæʒuəli mˈɛnʃən/
fixed phrase
Say something in passing without emphasis
To say something as if it is not important.
Examples
- She casually mentioned she had won an award.
- He casually mentioned he was moving abroad.
dress casually
1/dɹˈɛs kˈæʒuəli/
fixed phrase
Wear informal clothing
To wear clothes that are not formal.
Examples
- You can dress casually for the barbecue.
- He always dresses casually on Fridays at work.