Vocabulary in context
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Nonchalance
A casual, unconcerned attitude; a calm, cool demeanor in difficult or chaotic situations.
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Imagine This
Picture a diplomat in a crisis meeting. Alarms echo and people panic, yet they sip tea and respond with a steady, effortless calm.
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Sounds Like
non-shuh-LAHNS
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Looks Like
resembles the adjective 'nonchalant' and conveys indifference or ease
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Remember This
Related to the adjective nonchalant; the noun preserves the sense of a poised, unconcerned demeanor rather than a momentary action.
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Other Forms
nonchalantadjective
nonchalantlyadverb
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Connect With
aplomb, composure, poise, insouciance, calmness, aloofness
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Note
Nonchalance can be seen as poised and stylish in challenging situations, but it can also come across as chilly or dismissive if overused. Pay attention to tone and context.
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Study Deeper
Examples
- Her nonchalance in the face of criticism impressed the panel.
- Even during the chaotic drill, his nonchalance suggested he was unfazed by the noise.
Synonyms
insouciancecoolnesscalmnesscomposurepoise
Antonyms
anxietyconcernalarm
Etymology
From French nonchalance, from nonchalant meaning 'carefree, unconcerned', with non- meaning 'not' + chalant (from Old French chalant, related to 'care' or 'concern').
Mnemonic
Mnemonic: No CHAL-lence = not caring about challenges. Imagine a calm person facing chaos with a smile, showing nonchalance.
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Stark
adjectiveSeverely plain or bare; giving a stark, harsh, or complete impression; extreme or blunt in contrast.
Martinet
nounA person who imposes strict discipline and demands obedience to orders; a very strict disciplinarian
Consummate
verbTo bring to completion or perfection; to finish something thoroughly. Also used as an adjective to describe high-level skill or polish.
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Abasement
nounThe act or instance of humiliating or degrading someone; the state of being lowered in dignity or status.
Absurdity
nounThe quality or state of being wildly unreasonable, illogical, or ridiculous; something that is completely contrary to reason or common sense.
Accent
nounA distinctive way of pronouncing words; the act of emphasizing a syllable or word (as a verb, to accent means to emphasize).
Accolade
nounAn honor; a public expression of praise or an award.
Acrimony
nounBitterness of speech or manner; ill feeling
Acronym
nounA word formed from the initial letters of a phrase, pronounced as a single word and used as a shorthand for the full name (for example, NASA or radar).
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