casual

UK: ˈkæʒ.u.əl | US: ˈkæʒ.u.əl

Definition

  1. adj. happening by chance or without planning; informal

  2. adj. relaxed and unconcerned in manner

  3. n. a person who works or acts temporarily or irregularly

Structure
cas <fall>ual <adjective suffix>
Etymology

The word "casual" traces back to Latin casus (meaning "fall" or "chance"), reflecting the idea of events that "befall" unexpectedly. Over time, it evolved to describe things occurring by chance (e.g., "casual encounter") and later took on connotations of informality ("casual attire") due to its association with unplanned or relaxed states.

Examples

  1. She wore a casual outfit to the party.

  2. Their meeting was purely casual—they hadn’t planned it.

  3. He has a casual attitude toward deadlines.

  4. The company hires casual workers during peak seasons.

  5. We had a casual conversation over coffee.