casual

¹ca·su·al

adjective \ˈkazh-wəl, ˈka-zhə-wəl, ˈka-zhəl\

Definition of CASUAL

1

: subject to, resulting from, or occurring by chance <a casual meeting>

2

a : occurring without regularity : occasional <casual employment>

b : employed for irregular periods <a casual worker>

c : met with on occasion and known only superficially <a casual friend>

3

a (1) : feeling or showing little concern : nonchalant <a casual approach to cooking> (2) : lacking a high degree of interest or devotion <casual sports fans> <casual readers> (3) : done without serious intent or commitment <casual sex>

b (1) : informal, natural <a casual conversation> (2) : designed for informal use <casual clothing>

— ca·su·al·ly adverb

— ca·su·al·ness noun

Examples of CASUAL

1. a casual encounter on the sidewalk
2. The atmosphere at the meeting was quite casual.
3. He made a casual remark about her shoes.
4. He's a casual sports fan.

Origin of CASUAL

Middle English, from Anglo-French & Late Latin; Anglo-French casuel, from Late Latin casualis, from Latin casus fall, chance — more at case

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to CASUAL

Synonyms

everyday, informal, workaday

Antonyms

dressy, formal, noncasual

Related Words

dégagé, relaxed, sporty; dressed down; shabby, sloppy, slovenly, unkempt

Near Antonyms

best, Sunday; dressed up; chic, elegant, fashionable, smart, stylish; neat, tidy, trim; semiformal

See Synonym Discussion at accidental, random

²casual

noun

Definition of CASUAL

1

: a casual or migratory worker

2

: an officer or enlisted person awaiting assignment or transportation to a unit

First Known Use of CASUAL

circa 1852