nonchalant
gb/nˌɑnʃəlˈɑnt/ us/nˌɑnʃəlˈɑnt/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
adjective
C1
property
1
calmly unconcerned in a situation
Looking calm and not worried.
Usage pattern:
[someone] is nonchalant (about/over) [something]
Common mistake:
Often misspelled as nonchallant; it means calm/unworried, not necessarily rude.
Synonyms
unconcerned (More direct about not worrying.)
|
cool (More informal; can suggest confidence.)
|
unruffled (Emphasizes not being disturbed by stress.)
Antonyms
anxious (Shows worry or nervousness.)
|
concerned (Shows care or worry about the situation.)
|
agitated (Shows visible upset or restlessness.)
Collocations
a nonchalant attitude
|a nonchalant manner
|a nonchalant tone
|a nonchalant smile
|a nonchalant shrug
|seem nonchalant
|remain nonchalant
|act nonchalant
|be nonchalant about it
|look nonchalant
Themes
emotions
|behavior
|communication
Examples
- She stayed nonchalant during the interview, even when the questions got tough.
- He tried to sound nonchalant, but his hands were shaking.
- The team leader was strangely nonchalant about the deadline.
Learner examples
- He was nonchalant about the test.
- She looked nonchalant and calm.
adjective
C1
property
2
casually indifferent or uninterested
Not showing much interest or excitement.
Usage pattern:
a nonchalant [reply/response/remark] (to) [something]
Common mistake:
Can be misunderstood as 'lazy'; it usually refers to attitude, not effort.
Synonyms
indifferent (Stronger sense of not caring.)
|
uninterested (Plainly about lack of interest.)
|
blasé (Suggests boredom from too much experience.)
Antonyms
enthusiastic (Shows strong interest or excitement.)
|
eager (Shows active desire or interest.)
|
attentive (Shows careful interest and attention.)
Collocations
a nonchalant reply
|a nonchalant response
|a nonchalant remark
|a nonchalant reaction
|a nonchalant glance
|a nonchalant wave
|a nonchalant dismissal
|a nonchalant greeting
|a nonchalant yes
|a nonchalant look
Themes
emotions
|social_interaction
|communication
Examples
- She gave a nonchalant shrug when asked about the rumors.
- His nonchalant response made it seem like he didn’t care at all.
- They exchanged nonchalant greetings and kept walking.
Learner examples
- He gave a nonchalant answer.
- She seemed nonchalant and uninterested.
adjective
C2
property
3
effortlessly casual and stylish
Looking naturally relaxed and stylish.
Usage pattern:
nonchalant [charm/elegance/style]
Common mistake:
This sense is about an effortless look or style, not about ignoring problems.
Synonyms
effortless (Focuses on seeming easy and natural.)
|
easygoing (More about personality than style.)
|
casual (Less formal; may lack the sense of elegance.)
Antonyms
self-conscious (Shows awareness of being judged; not effortless.)
|
stiff (Not relaxed or natural in manner.)
|
formal (Opposite of casual in style.)
Collocations
nonchalant charm
|nonchalant elegance
|nonchalant style
|a nonchalant confidence
|a nonchalant air
|a nonchalant pose
|a nonchalant grin
|a nonchalant walk
|a nonchalant grace
|a nonchalant sophistication
Themes
appearance
|fashion
|social_interaction
Examples
- She has a nonchalant elegance that makes even simple clothes look expensive.
- He leaned against the wall with nonchalant confidence.
- The photo captures a nonchalant charm that feels completely natural.
Learner examples
- She has nonchalant style.
Grammar
Dictionary form
nonchalant
IPA
GB/nˌɑnʃəlˈɑnt/
US/nˌɑnʃəlˈɑnt/
Syllables & stress
non - chal - ant (3 syllables)
Stress on 3rd syllable (ant)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: nonchalant
Word family
Core family
nonchalance
noun
nonchalantly
adverb C1
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.