insouciance
UK: ɪnˈsuː.si.əns | US: ɪnˈsuː.si.əns
n. a casual lack of concern; indifference; carefree attitude
insouciance = in<not> + souci<care> + ance<noun suffix>
- in (Latin prefix meaning "not")
- souci (from Old French soucier, meaning "to care" or "worry")
- ance (noun-forming suffix indicating a state or quality)
Etymology Origin:
Derived from French insouciant ("carefree"), the word combines the negative prefix in- with souci ("care"), reflecting a state of being free from worry. The suffix -ance nominalizes the concept, turning it into an abstract quality. The word entered English in the 18th century, retaining its French elegance to describe effortless nonchalance.
Her insouciance about the exam surprised her anxious classmates.
He faced the criticism with insouciance, shrugging it off with a smile.
The artist’s insouciance toward fame made her work even more appealing.
Their insouciance during the crisis frustrated the serious-minded team.
The cat’s insouciance was evident as it napped amid the chaos.