nonchalant

UK: ˈnɒn.ʃəl.ənt | US: ˌnɑːn.ʃəˈlɑːnt

Definition

  1. adj. calm and relaxed, appearing unconcerned or indifferent

  2. adj. casually cool or detached in manner

Structure
non <not>chalant <concerned>
Etymology

The word "nonchalant" comes from the French term nonchalant, which itself derives from the Old French nonchaloir ("to disregard"). The components break down as:

  • non (Latin/French for "not")
  • chalant (from Old French chaloir, meaning "to care" or "be concerned").
    Originally, chaloir stemmed from Latin calēre ("to be warm/hot"), metaphorically extending to emotional warmth or concern. Over time, the negation non + chalant crystallized into its modern sense of "unbothered" or "coolly indifferent."
Examples

  1. She gave a nonchalant shrug when asked about the exam results.

  2. His nonchalant attitude made it hard to tell if he was nervous.

  3. The cat strolled in with nonchalant grace, ignoring the barking dog.

  4. Despite the chaos, he remained nonchalant and sipped his coffee.

  5. Her nonchalant reply hid her true excitement about the news.