nonchalance — the state of being relaxed and appearing not to be worried about anything; casual indifference
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: the state of being relaxed and appearing not to be worried about anything; casual indifference
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈnɑːnʃəlɑːns/
Example Sentences
- Despite winning the lottery, he announced it with complete nonchalance as if he had just bought milk.
- Her nonchalance about the exam results worried her parents more than panic would have.
- With practiced nonchalance, the spy ordered coffee while secretly photographing classified documents.
nonchalance
NOUN[/ˈnɑːnʃəlɑːns/]
the state of being relaxed and appearing not to be worried about anything; casual indifference
the state of being relaxed and appearing not to be worried about anything; casual indifference
She watches the dance with nonchalance, ignoring every glance
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This word derives from French nonchalance, formed from the prefix non- (not) combined with chaloir, a French verb meaning to matter or be of concern. The term literally expresses indifference or lack of concern, as if one is emotionally cool or detached from matters that might otherwise provoke warmth of feeling.
Breakdown
non- (not) + chaloir (to matter, to care) + -ance (noun suffix denoting a state or quality). The French verb chaloir itself traces to Latin calere (to be warm), so the compound originally conveyed the notion of being unmoved or emotionally 'cold' toward something.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“Despite winning the lottery, he announced it with complete nonchalance as if he had just bought milk.”
“Her nonchalance about the exam results worried her parents more than panic would have.”
“With practiced nonchalance, the spy ordered coffee while secretly photographing classified documents.”
“His nonchalance about forgetting their anniversary was matched only by his surprise at sleeping on the couch.”
📚Related Words
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