Membean is an incredibly effective way to learn words and permanently remember them.
Learn more on how we help for Test Prep, Personal Learning, or get it for your School.

  • Adj.

nonchalant

NON-shuh-lahnt

Context
Help

Even though Ted had a major exam the next day, he acted nonchalant or totally unworried as he lazily sunned himself on the beach. Tara asked him if he should be studying, but the unconcerned Ted replied nonchalantly, “I have all night after we get back. It will be easy!” Ted’s nonchalant, casual attitude made the trip to the shore fun, but most definitely did not help his poor final grade in organic chemistry.

Quiz: When might someone act in a nonchalant way?

  • They wanted to appear uninterested and casual.
  • They wanted everybody to know they were angry.
  • They hoped to seem eager and excited.

Memory Hook
Help

Ant Chalet When Tricia arrived at her beautiful chalet in the Alps, she found that it had been overrun by ants; despite the fact that her chalet was now an ant chalet, she remained nonchalant as she called the exterminator.

Examples
Help

  • Chatting after the debate, Huckabee was nonchalant—and did not seem surprised—when told that a flash poll of viewers had judged him the overwhelming winner Wednesday night. — Newsweek
  • Four bald eagles, unmistakable with their white heads and tails, perch with a nonchalant fierceness, eyeballing the bird-watchers stopped along the gravel road here to eyeball back at these iconic national symbols. — The Christian Science Monitor
  • If the Olympic women’s soccer team is any indication, the best way to raise a champion—or, for that matter, an active, healthy, sports-loving child—is to be as nonchalant as possible. — Newsweek

Word Ingredients
Help

non- not
cal be warm, hot
-ant being in a state or condition

A nonchalant person is “not heated” by thorny or difficult situations, but rather remains “cool” under pressure.

Word Theater
Help

Moonlighting He tries to get her to act in a nonchalant fashion.
12

Word Constellation
Help

Nonchalant