What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
nonchalant
Example
He was nonchalant about the exam, as he had studied hard and felt prepared. [nonchalant: adjective]
Example
She shrugged her shoulders in a nonchalant manner, as if the news did not affect her. [nonchalant: adverb]
indifferent
Example
He was indifferent to the outcome of the game, as he was not a fan of either team. [indifferent: adjective]
Example
She spoke with an indifferent tone, as if the topic did not matter to her. [indifferent: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Indifferent is more commonly used than nonchalant in everyday language. Indifferent is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while nonchalant is less common and often used in specific situations where a relaxed and confident attitude is valued.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between nonchalant and indifferent?
Both nonchalant and indifferent are informal words that are suitable for casual conversations. However, indifferent can also be used in formal contexts to express a lack of bias or preference.
