Casually Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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casually

[ˈkæʒuəli ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

in everyday situations

in a relaxed and unconcerned manner

Synonyms

carelessly, easily, informally, nonchalantly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
casually	Used when someone does something in a relaxed or informal manner, often without much preparation or concern. She casually mentioned her plans for the weekend He dressed casually for the party, wearing jeans and a t-shirt
informally	Describes a way of doing things that is relaxed and not official or formal. They decided to have an informally organized gathering She spoke informally with her colleagues during lunch
nonchalantly	Used when someone behaves in a calm and indifferent manner, often showing a lack of interest or concern. He nonchalantly shrugged off the criticism She walked in nonchalantly, as if nothing unusual had happened
easily	Indicates that something is done without difficulty or effort. She easily solved the puzzle He easily lifted the heavy box
carelessly	Implies doing something without sufficient care, attention, or precision, often resulting in mistakes or accidents. This word has a negative connotation. He carelessly knocked over the vase She carelessly left her keys on the bus

Examples of usage

She was talking casually with her friends at the party.
He dressed casually for the job interview.
They approached the problem casually, without much thought.

^{Context #2 | Adverb}

in a way that is not formal or serious

without much attention or effort

Synonyms

indifferently, lightly, offhandedly, passingly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
casually	Used when describing something done in a relaxed and informal manner, often without much seriousness. She casually mentioned her plans for the weekend He dressed casually for the party
offhandedly	Used to describe a manner that lacks preparation or thought, often coming across as unplanned or spontaneous. Can have a negative connotation if perceived as dismissive. She responded offhandedly to the serious question He commented offhandedly about the issue without much knowledge
lightly	Employed when referring to doing something with a gentle or minimal amount of effort. Can also imply not taking something seriously. He touched her hand lightly The professor discussed the topic lightly, avoiding deep analysis
indifferently	Indicates a lack of interest or concern, often conveying a sense of apathy or dismissal. He shrugged indifferently when asked about his opinion She spoke indifferently about the outcome
passingly	Refers to something mentioned briefly or in passing, without going into detail. He mentioned the news passingly during the meeting She acknowledged his presence passingly

Examples of usage

He said it casually, as if it didn't matter.
She mentioned it casually in passing.
He spoke casually about the upcoming project.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Culture

Casual expressions are prevalent in modern communication, with phrases like 'How's it going?' replacing formal greetings.
The casual dining industry has grown significantly, focusing on laid-back atmospheres where people feel comfortable.
Fashion trends have embraced casual wear, with athleisure becoming a popular style choice for many, merging comfort with aesthetics.

Social Psychology

Research shows that casual interactions can enhance social bonding and create a sense of belonging.
Being casual in communication often leads to increased openness and reduces anxiety in social settings.
Studies indicate that a relaxed demeanor in work environments can boost creativity and collaboration among team members.

Literature

In contemporary writing, casual language reflects relatable characters and realistic dialogues that resonate with readers.
Many authors use a casual tone to make complex themes more accessible and engaging for a wider audience.
Works like 'The Catcher in the Rye' use casual speech to evoke authenticity and connect with youth culture.

Fashion

The term has influenced the fashion industry, leading to the rise of casual Fridays in workplaces, allowing employees to dress down.
Casual clothing often reflects a shift towards comfort over formality in everyday life, impacting consumer choices.
Influencers on social media frequently promote casual styles, shaping trends and everyday fashion norms.

Origin of 'casually'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'casualis', meaning 'by chance' or 'accidental'.
It entered the English language in the late 15th century, originally indicating something that happens without planning.
Over time, the term shifted to describe informal or relaxed styles, especially in clothing and behavior.

The word 'casually' originates from the late 16th century, derived from the word 'casual' with the addition of the suffix '-ly' to form an adverb. It has been used to describe actions or behaviors done without much formality or seriousness, reflecting a relaxed attitude in various situations.

See also: casualness, casualties, casualty, casualwear.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,066, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

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11063 icy
11064 turmoil
11065 encompass
11066 casually
11067 incapacity
11068 whiskey
11069 intercept
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