
Nonchalance
A casual, unconcerned attitude; a calm, cool demeanor in difficult or chaotic situations.
nounNonchalance
A casual, unconcerned attitude; a calm, cool demeanor in difficult or chaotic situations.
noun
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.
Sounds Like
non-shuh-LAHNS
Looks Like
resembles the adjective 'nonchalant' and conveys indifference or ease
Remember This
Related to the adjective nonchalant; the noun preserves the sense of a poised, unconcerned demeanor rather than a momentary action.
Other Forms
Connect With
aplomb, composure, poise, insouciance, calmness, aloofness
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.
Study Deeper
- Her nonchalance in the face of criticism impressed the panel.
- Even during the chaotic drill, his nonchalance suggested he was unfazed by the noise.
From French nonchalance, from nonchalant meaning 'carefree, unconcerned', with non- meaning 'not' + chalant (from Old French chalant, related to 'care' or 'concern').
Mnemonic: No CHAL-lence = not caring about challenges. Imagine a calm person facing chaos with a smile, showing nonchalance.
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adjectiveSeverely plain or bare; giving a stark, harsh, or complete impression; extreme or blunt in contrast.
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nounA person who imposes strict discipline and demands obedience to orders; a very strict disciplinarian
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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).
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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).
