Casual: meaning, definitions and examples

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casual

[ˈkæʒ.uəl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

style of dress

Designed for everyday wear, not formal or dressy. Casual clothing may include jeans, t-shirts, and sneakers.

Synonyms

everyday, informal, relaxed.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
casual	This word is used to describe situations, clothing, or conversations that are relaxed and not formal. It can refer to clothes worn on a typical day or conversations that are not serious. She wore casual jeans and a t-shirt. Their conversation was casual and light-hearted.
informal	Informal is used when referring to situations or language that are not strictly governed by rules or formalities. It can relate to casual events, relaxed clothing, or language used with friends. The party was an informal gathering of close friends. We had an informal discussion about the project.
relaxed	Used to describe a state of being free from tension and anxiety. It often refers to environments, atmospheres, or personal feelings that are calm and at ease. The vacation made her feel relaxed. They enjoyed a relaxed afternoon at the beach.
everyday	This word refers to things or activities that are a regular part of daily life. It doesn't imply formality but rather frequent occurrence. His everyday routine includes going for a walk. She prefers everyday attire over formal dresses.

Examples of usage

I love wearing casual clothes on the weekends.
The office has a casual dress code, so you don't need to wear a suit.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

attitude or behavior

Showing a relaxed and friendly attitude, not being overly formal or serious. Casual behavior is easy-going and laid-back.

Synonyms

informal, nonchalant, unconcerned.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
casual	Used to describe something that is relaxed, not formal, or spontaneous. It often describes clothing, social events, and conversations. He wore casual clothes to the party. They had a casual lunch at the cafe.
informal	Used in situations that are not formal or official. It often describes speech, meetings, or gatherings where strict rules or formalities are not followed. The meeting was quite informal, and everyone spoke freely. They preferred an informal style of communication in the office.
unconcerned	Used to describe someone who is not worried or interested about something that others might find important. It's often used in a negative sense to imply a lack of necessary attention or care. He seemed unconcerned about the impact of his actions. Despite the chaos around her, she remained unconcerned.
nonchalant	Used to describe a person or behavior that appears relaxed, indifferent, or unconcerned, especially in situations where one might expect more emotion or interest. It can sometimes have a negative connotation. She was surprisingly nonchalant about the upcoming deadline. His nonchalant attitude made it seem like he didn't care.

Examples of usage

He has a casual approach to life, never getting too stressed about things.
She greeted me in a casual manner, as if we were old friends.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'casualis', meaning 'occidental' or 'of chance', highlighting its relaxed connotation.
It started being used in English in the late 15th century to describe informal manners and attitudes.
Before modern usage, it referred to things occurring by chance or unexpectedly.

Cultural Significance

Casual wear became popular in the 20th century, coinciding with shifts toward more relaxed lifestyles and work environments.
In different cultures, casual attire varies widely – from beachwear in hot climates to smart-casual in professional settings.
Social media has influenced what is considered casual, especially with the rise of influencers showcasing everyday styles.

Psychology

Being casual can alleviate stress, encouraging people to feel more comfortable and authentic in social interactions.
Research suggests that casual environments can improve creativity and collaboration in workplaces.
Casual conversation can foster better rapport and connections compared to formal communication.

Fashion

The 'casual look' is often associated with items like jeans, t-shirts, and sneakers, making them wardrobe staples.
In the 1990s, streetwear emerged as a significant influence on casual fashion, integrating comfort with style.
Today's casual trends often blend comfort with high fashion, resulting in athleisure and smart casual styles.

Arts and Literature

In literature, casual dialogue captures realistic speech patterns, making characters feel relatable and authentic.
Casual art scenes, such as street art, challenge traditional norms and democratize the experience of art.
Music genres like pop and indie often embrace a casual vibe, focusing on themes of everyday life and simplicity.

Translations

Translations of the word "casual" in other languages:

🇵🇹 casual

🇮🇳 आकस्मिक

🇩🇪 lässig

🇮🇩 santai

🇺🇦 невимушений

випадковий
повсякденний

🇵🇱 swobodny

🇯🇵 カジュアル

🇫🇷 décontracté

🇪🇸 casual

🇹🇷 günlük

rastgele
sıradan

🇰🇷 캐주얼

🇸🇦 عرضي

🇨🇿 neformální

🇸🇰 neformálny

🇨🇳 随便的

🇸🇮 priložnosten

🇮🇸 tilviljanakenndur

🇰🇿 кездейсоқ

🇬🇪 შემთხვევითი

🇦🇿 təsadüfi

🇲🇽 casual

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,179 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

...
6176 readiness
6177 sixteenth
6178 sliding
6179 casual
6180 resemblance
6181 printer
6182 amazing
...