What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cavalier
Example
He had a cavalier attitude towards his responsibilities, often neglecting them. [cavalier: adjective]
Example
The cavalier dismissed the concerns of others, considering them unimportant. [cavalier: noun]
nonchalant
Example
She acted nonchalant when she received the unexpected news. [nonchalant: adjective]
Example
He shrugged his shoulders in a nonchalant manner, as if nothing bothered him. [nonchalant: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Nonchalant is more commonly used than cavalier in everyday language. It is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts to describe someone's relaxed and unaffected attitude. Cavalier, on the other hand, is less common and tends to be used in more formal or literary settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cavalier and nonchalant?
While cavalier is generally considered more formal and may be used in elevated contexts, nonchalant is more commonly used in informal conversations and everyday language.
