ShortMeaning, pronunciation & vowel sounds
Nonchalant Meaning & Pronunciation
/ˌnɑnʃəˈlɑnt/ · adjective
Nonchalant describes a person who is calm and casual, seeming not to be worried, interested, or excited about something.
How to say it
How to pronounce nonchalant
nonchalant
The vowel breakdown
Vowel sounds in nonchalant
Each vowel sound below shows the letters that spell it, the sound they make, and the phonics pattern behind it.
The a in the middle syllable is weak and neutral, as in about.
In the last syllable, a says /ɑ/, the same sound as in father. This is the French loanword pattern.
Consonant notes
Ch says /ʃ/, like sh, because the word is borrowed from French, as in chef and machine. Learn more →
Definition
What does nonchalant mean?
Casually calm and relaxed; not showing worry, interest, or excitement.
“He gave a nonchalant shrug and walked away.”
Behaving as if something is not important, even when it is.
“She stayed nonchalant while everyone else panicked.”
Word forms: nonchalant · nonchalance (noun) · nonchalantly (adverb)
The noun is nonchalance, pronounced /ˈnɑnʃəlɑns/.
Where it comes from
Origin of nonchalant
Nonchalant comes from French nonchalant, the present participle of nonchaloir, meaning to be unconcerned (non- meaning not, and chaloir meaning to matter).
Similar words
Frequently asked questions
What does nonchalant mean?
Nonchalant means calm and casual, seeming not to be worried, interested, or excited, especially when you might be expected to be.
How do you pronounce nonchalant?
Nonchalant is pronounced /ˌnɑnʃəˈlɑnt/, or non-shuh-LAHNT, with the main stress on the last syllable.
Why does ch say sh in nonchalant?
Because the word is borrowed from French, where ch is pronounced /ʃ/. Other French borrowings with the same sound include chef, machine, and chandelier.
Is nonchalant positive or negative?
It depends on the context. It can describe admirable calm under pressure, or an unhelpful lack of concern.