ca·su·al
(k
zh
-
l)
KEY
ADJECTIVE:
- Occurring by chance. See Synonyms at chance.
-
- Occurring at irregular or infrequent intervals; occasional:
casual employment at a factory; a casual correspondence with a former teacher.
- Unpremeditated; offhand:
a casual remark.
-
- Being without ceremony or formality; relaxed:
a casual evening with friends.
- Suited for everyday wear or use; informal.
- Not serious or thorough; superficial:
a casual inspection.
-
- Showing little interest or concern; nonchalant:
a casual disregard for cold weather.
- Lenient; permissive:
a casual attitude toward drugs.
- Not close or intimate; passing:
a casual acquaintance with avant-garde music.
NOUN:
- One that serves or appears at irregular intervals, especially a temporary worker.
-
casuals
Casualwear:
sent my casuals to the cleaners.
- A soldier temporarily attached to a unit while awaiting permanent assignment.
ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English
casuel, from Old French, from Latin
c
sulis, from
csus,
event ; see
case
1
OTHER FORMS:
casu·al·ly
(Adverb),
casu·al·ness
(Noun)
