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Cavalier Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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cavalier

[ˌkævəˈlɪər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

personality trait

A cavalier is someone who shows a lack of concern or consideration for others. They are often seen as arrogant, dismissive, or indifferent.

Synonyms

careless, nonchalant, reckless.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cavalier

Used to describe someone who is dismissive or shows a lack of proper concern for something serious. It can have a slightly negative connotation.

  • He had a cavalier attitude towards the safety regulations, which worried his colleagues
careless

Indicates a lack of attention or effort, often leading to mistakes or accidents. This word has a negative connotation.

  • Her careless mistake resulted in a major data loss for the company
reckless

Refers to behavior that is irresponsible or showing a disregard for danger or consequences. This word carries a strong negative connotation.

  • His reckless driving put everyone on the road at risk
nonchalant

Describes a relaxed, casual attitude where someone appears unconcerned or indifferent to a situation. It's often neutral or slightly positive, depending on the context.

  • Despite the chaos around him, he remained nonchalant, sipping his coffee and reading the newspaper

Examples of usage

  • He had a cavalier attitude towards his responsibilities.
  • She was criticized for her cavalier treatment of the issue.
Context #2 | Noun

history

In the 17th century, a cavalier was a supporter of King Charles I of England during the English Civil War. They were known for their loyalty to the king and their flamboyant style.

Synonyms

loyalist, royalist, supporter.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cavalier

This word is used when describing someone who dismisses important matters or acts with a lack of proper concern. It often has a negative connotation implying arrogance.

  • She had a cavalier attitude towards the project, which upset her team
royalist

Royalist specifically refers to a person who supports the royal family or monarchy. It is often used in historical contexts or in countries with a monarchy.

  • As a royalist, she attended all the celebrations related to the royal family
loyalist

This term is used for someone who remains loyal to an established government, political party, or leader, often during times of change or conflict.

  • During the revolution, he remained a loyalist, steadfast in his support for the monarchy
supporter

This is a general term for someone who believes in, backs, or advocates for a person, cause, or team.

  • He was a fervent supporter of the environmental movement, always attending rallies and meetings

Examples of usage

  • The cavaliers fought bravely for the king.
  • She dressed in the style of a cavalier for the costume party.

Translations

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

Origin of 'cavalier'

The word 'cavalier' originated from the Italian word 'cavaliere' meaning 'horseman' or 'knight'. It was first used in English in the late 16th century to refer to a mounted soldier or a gentleman trained in arms. Over time, the term evolved to represent a specific type of gentleman or supporter of King Charles I. Today, 'cavalier' is commonly used to describe someone who is indifferent or dismissive.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,842, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.