nonchalant
Meaning: Feeling or appearing casually calm and relaxed; showing a lack of anxiety or enthusiasm.
Nonchalant can be positive (admirably cool under pressure) or negative (inappropriately casual about something serious). It describes an outward appearance of effortless calm, whether genuine or affected. The word retains a somewhat French flavour in English. It collocates with 'manner,' 'shrug,' 'attitude,' 'tone,' and 'about.'
Examples
- He gave a nonchalant shrug when asked about his extraordinary exam results. 当被问及出色的考试成绩时,他漫不经心地耸了耸肩。Se encogió de hombros con aire despreocupado cuando le preguntaron por sus extraordinarios resultados en los exámenes.素晴らしい試験結果について聞かれると、彼は何でもないように肩をすくめました。뛰어난 시험 성적에 대해 물었을 때, 그는 아무렇지도 않다는 듯 어깨를 으쓱했습니다.
- She tried to appear nonchalant, but her trembling hands betrayed her nervousness. 她试图表现得若无其事,但颤抖的双手暴露了她的紧张。Intentó aparentar indiferencia, pero sus manos temblorosas delataban su nerviosismo.彼女は平然と振る舞おうとしましたが、震える手が緊張を物語っていました。그녀는 태연한 척했지만, 떨리는 손이 긴장감을 드러내고 있었습니다.
- His nonchalant attitude towards the deadline infuriated his more conscientious colleagues. 他对截止日期漫不经心的态度激怒了更认真负责的同事们。Su actitud displicente hacia el plazo de entrega exasperó a sus compañeros más concienzudos.締め切りに対する彼の無頓着な態度は、より真面目な同僚たちをいら立たせました。마감 기한에 대한 그의 무심한 태도는 더 성실한 동료들을 짜증나게 했습니다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: general, media
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From French nonchalant (careless, indifferent), present participle of nonchaloir (to not care), from non (not) and chaloir (to matter, to be concerned), from Latin calere (to be warm, to glow). The metaphor suggests emotional coolness.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
More From This Topic
More from General Advanced
Flashcards, quizzes, audio pronunciation & spaced repetition — all free