What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
insouciant
Example
She had an insouciant attitude towards her upcoming exam. [insouciant: adjective]
Example
He shrugged his shoulders in an insouciant manner, not bothered by the criticism. [insouciant: adverb]
nonchalant
Example
She remained nonchalant despite the chaos around her. [nonchalant: adjective]
Example
He tried to act nonchalant when he saw his ex-girlfriend at the party. [nonchalant: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Nonchalant is more commonly used than insouciant in everyday language. Nonchalant is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while insouciant is less common and has a more specific connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between insouciant and nonchalant?
Both insouciant and nonchalant are associated with a casual and informal tone, but nonchalant is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
