French Conversation · Level 42
75 words
French word
nonchalance
Pronunciation
IPA/nɔ̃ʃalɑ̃s/
Meaning
- feminine nounindifference
Example
Sa nonchalance m'inquiète.
His indifference worries me.
More examples
Il a répondu avec nonchalance à la question.
He answered the question with indifference.
Core concept
A calm, detached manner that lets details and consequences pass without much concern.
Common phrases
avec nonchalance
with indifference
faire preuve de nonchalance
show indifference
Similar words
insouciance: A carefree state of being largely free from worry.
sérénité: A tranquil state marked by inner calm.
détachement: A calm state of keeping emotional or personal distance.
indifférence: A lack of meaningful interest in people or matters.
Definition in French
Attitude calme et détachée montrant peu de souci pour les détails ou les conséquences.
Word origin
Nonchalance comes through French nonchalant and Old French nonchaloir, formed with non- and chaloir, from Latin calere, 'to matter' or 'to concern'.
Usage tips
- Nonchalance is feminine, so standard usage has la nonchalance, and it can suggest either relaxed composure or careless indifference depending on context.
Other meanings
- unconcernnoun
Opposites
- sérieuxseriousnessnoun
- préoccupationconcernnoun
Related words
- nonchalantunconcernedadjective
- nonchalammentnonchalantlyadverb