casual
casual — adjective
1. describing clothes that are comfortable, simple, and meant for everyday wear rat
describing clothes that are comfortable, simple, and meant for everyday wear rather than formal events or business settings
The wedding invitation said guests could wear casual clothes like jeans and a shirt.
casual clothes + specific examples (jeans and a shirt)
Priya changed into a casual summer dress after her job interview finished.
The office has a casual dress code on Fridays, so nobody wears a suit.
For the picnic by the lake, everyone wore casual shorts and T-shirts.
- informal
the closest synonym, used interchangeably for clothes and settings
- comfortable
focuses on the feeling of the clothes rather than the dress code
- relaxed
describes the atmosphere or style rather than specific clothing items
常見錯誤
2. showing little concern, effort, or emotional involvement — often suggesting that
showing little concern, effort, or emotional involvement — often suggesting that someone appears relaxed about something that others find important
Yusuf gave a casual shrug when asked about missing the deadline.
casual shrug — typical body language for unconcerned attitude
Her casual tone during the meeting made the team think she did not care.
The nurse spoke in a casual voice while explaining the serious test results.
Aiko made a casual comment about the budget cut, but everyone else was very worried.
His casual attitude toward safety rules worried the construction site manager.
- nonchalant
similar meaning but slightly more formal; suggests calm confidence rather than disinterest
- unconcerned
stronger focus on lack of worry; may sound more negative
- offhand
describes remarks or comments that seem unprepared or dismissive
- blasé
suggests boredom with something others find exciting; slightly more negative
用法筆記
Often carries a critical tone — describing someone's attitude or behaviour as 'casual' in a situation that demands seriousness implies disapproval. The subject is typically a person's manner, voice, comment, or attitude, not their clothing.
常見錯誤
3. used only for a short period of time, without a fixed schedule or formal arrange
used only for a short period of time, without a fixed schedule or formal arrangement — describes work, employment, or relationships that are not permanent or regular
During the summer, the hotel hires casual workers to clean rooms and serve meals.
collocation: casual workers / casual labour
Ravi found casual employment at a warehouse while looking for a full-time job.
The cafe relies on casual staff who step in when regular employees are sick.
Liam and Nina started as casual acquaintances at the gym and later became close friends.
The museum offers casual visitors a reduced ticket price compared with yearly members.
- temporary
more general term; 'casual' implies less formal arrangement than 'temporary'
- occasional
focuses on happening from time to time, not on lack of formality
- part-time
specifically about fewer hours per week; 'casual' work may be full-time but irregular
用法筆記
Used only before a noun. Common in employment contexts ('casual worker', 'casual labour', 'casual staff') where it contrasts with 'permanent' or 'full-time'. Also describes relationships ('casual acquaintance') that are not close or regular.
常見錯誤
4. happening without being planned, intended, or prepared — often used to describe
happening without being planned, intended, or prepared — often used to describe meetings, remarks, observations, or actions that occur by chance rather than through deliberate effort
A casual remark from a neighbour gave Wen the idea to start a community garden.
collocation: casual remark / casual comment
Beatriz ran into an old classmate during a casual stroll through the park.
What started as a casual conversation at a cafe turned into a business partnership.
The police officer made a casual check of the car and discovered the stolen goods.
A casual observer might think the game looked easy, but the players knew better.
- unplanned
direct synonym; focuses purely on lack of intention
- accidental
stronger — suggests something happened by mistake, not just without planning
- offhand
describes remarks made without preparation, often seeming dismissive
- incidental
more formal; describes something that happens as a minor side-effect
- planned
arranged or intended in advance
- deliberate
done consciously and intentionally
- thorough
carried out with great care and attention to detail
用法筆記
Used only before a noun. Unlike sense 2 (NOT INTERESTED), this sense does not imply a lack of care — the focus is on lack of planning or intention. A 'casual remark' may be thoughtful but unplanned; a 'casual glance' is brief and unintentional.