nonchalantly
gb/nˈɑnʃəlˈɑntli/ us/nˈɑnʃəlˈɑntli/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
adverb
C1
property
1
in a calm, casual way
In a relaxed way, like you are not worried.
Usage pattern:
[do something] nonchalantly; speak nonchalantly about [something]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse the adverb (nonchalantly) with the adjective (nonchalant).
Synonyms
casually (Often suggests an informal, relaxed manner, sometimes without implying emotion.)
|
unconcernedly (Emphasizes not feeling worried about the situation.)
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calmly (Focuses on steadiness and lack of agitation.)
Antonyms
anxiously (Shows worry or fear.)
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nervously (Shows tension or unease.)
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urgently (Shows pressure and need for quick action.)
Collocations
say nonchalantly
|ask nonchalantly
|mention nonchalantly
|walk nonchalantly
|shrug nonchalantly
|lean nonchalantly
|smile nonchalantly
|nonchalantly light a cigarette
|nonchalantly sip (a drink)
|nonchalantly glance at (something)
Themes
emotions
|behavior
|communication
|daily_life
Examples
- She nonchalantly checked her phone while everyone else panicked.
- He answered nonchalantly, as if the news didn’t matter.
- They strolled nonchalantly into the room, perfectly at ease.
Learner examples
- He spoke nonchalantly about the problem.
- She smiled nonchalantly.
adverb
C1
property
2
in an indifferent, cool way
In a way that looks like you don’t care.
Usage pattern:
respond nonchalantly to [something]; treat [someone/something] nonchalantly
Common mistake:
Nonchalantly can imply intentional coolness; it is not always a positive meaning.
Synonyms
indifferently (Directly expresses lack of interest or concern.)
|
coolly (Adds a controlled, sometimes unfriendly distance.)
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dismissively (Suggests treating something as unimportant or not worth attention.)
Antonyms
concernedly (Shows care and attention to what happens.)
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keenly (Shows strong interest or enthusiasm.)
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warmly (Shows friendliness and positive feeling rather than distance.)
Collocations
respond nonchalantly
|react nonchalantly
|nonchalantly dismiss (something)
|nonchalantly ignore (someone)
|nonchalantly brush off (something)
|nonchalantly deny (something)
|nonchalantly refuse (something)
Themes
emotions
|social
|attitudes
|communication
Examples
- She nonchalantly brushed off the criticism and changed the subject.
- He reacted nonchalantly to the invitation, as if it was nothing special.
- They treated the complaint nonchalantly, which made the customer angrier.
Learner examples
- He replied nonchalantly, but he was actually upset.
Grammar
Dictionary form
nonchalantly
IPA
GB/nˈɑnʃəlˈɑntli/
US/nˈɑnʃəlˈɑntli/
Syllables & stress
non - chal - antly (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (non)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: nonchalantly
- Plural: nonchalantlies
Word family
Forms
nonchalantlies
noun
Core family
nonchalant
adjective C1
Advanced or less common
nonchalance
noun
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.