French Conversation · Level 120
57 words
French word
cavalier
Pronunciation
IPA/kavalje/
Meaning
- adjectiveoffhand
Example
Ne sois pas cavalier avec tes amis.
Don't be offhand with your friends.
More examples
Le client a reçu un message cavalier et a annulé sa commande.
The customer received a cavalier message and canceled their order.
Core concept
A casual, dismissive manner makes another person's feelings seem unimportant.
Common phrases
un commentaire cavalier
a cavalier comment
un message cavalier
a cavalier message
adopter un ton cavalier
adopt a cavalier tone
Similar words
impoli: Failing to observe basic manners and appearing rude.
irrespectueux: Showing no respect for others or treating them as unimportant.
indélicat: Ignoring others' feelings in a way that causes offense.
désinvolte: Behaving casually and without concern for etiquette or formalities.
Definition in French
Qui fait preuve d'une attitude négligente ou peu respectueuse envers autrui.
Word origin
The adjective cavalier was formed from the noun for a horseman, inherited through Italian cavaliere from Latin caballarius, and later acquired its figurative sense of careless or disrespectful conduct.
Usage tips
- French cavalier is usually critical when describing conduct, tone, or an attitude, even though English cavalier can also suggest confident independence.
Other meanings
- unconcernedadjective
- rashadjective
Opposites
- polipoliteadjective
- prévenantconsiderateadjective