Casual: meaning, definitions and examples

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casual

 

[ ˈkæʒ.uəl ]

Adjective
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?

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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?

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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.

Translations

Translations of the word "casual" in other languages:

🇵🇹 casual

🇮🇳 आकस्मिक

🇩🇪 lässig

🇮🇩 santai

🇺🇦 невимушений

🇵🇱 swobodny

🇯🇵 カジュアル

🇫🇷 décontracté

🇪🇸 casual

🇹🇷 günlük

🇰🇷 캐주얼

🇸🇦 عرضي

🇨🇿 neformální

🇸🇰 neformálny

🇨🇳 随便的

🇸🇮 priložnosten

🇮🇸 tilviljanakenndur

🇰🇿 кездейсоқ

🇬🇪 შემთხვევითი

🇦🇿 təsadüfi

🇲🇽 casual

Etymology

The word 'casual' originated from the Late Latin word 'casualis', meaning 'by chance'. It entered the English language in the mid-14th century with the sense of 'subject to or produced by chance'. Over time, the meaning evolved to include the sense of 'informal' or 'relaxed', reflecting a more laid-back and easy-going approach to various aspects of life.

See also: because, cause, causing.

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.