First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1casual
adjective ca·su·al \ˈkazh-wəl, ˈka-zhə-wəl, ˈka-zhəl\
: happening by chance : not planned or expected
: designed for or permitting ordinary dress, behavior, etc. : not formal
: done without much thought, effort, or concern
Full Definition of CASUAL
1
: subject to, resulting from, or occurring by chance <a casual meeting>
2
a : occurring without regularity : occasional <casual employment> b : employed for irregular periods <a casual worker> c : met with on occasion and known only superficially <a casual friend>
3
a (1) : feeling or showing little concern : nonchalant <a casual approach to cooking> (2) : lacking a high degree of interest or devotion <casual sports fans> <casual readers> (3) : done without serious intent or commitment <casual sex> b (1) : informal, natural <a casual conversation> (2) : designed for informal use <casual clothing>
— ca·su·al·ly adverb
— ca·su·al·ness noun
See casual defined for English-language learners
See casual defined for kids
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Origin of CASUAL
Middle English, from Anglo-French & Late Latin; Anglo-French casuel, from Late Latin casualis, from Latin casus fall, chance — more at case
Synonym Discussion of CASUAL
accidental, fortuitous, casual, contingent mean not amenable to planning or prediction. accidental stresses chance <any resemblance to actual persons is entirely accidental>. fortuitous so strongly suggests chance that it often connotes entire absence of cause <a series of fortuitous events>. casual stresses lack of real or apparent premeditation or intent <a casual encounter with a stranger>. contingent suggests possibility of happening but stresses uncertainty and dependence on other future events for existence or occurrence <the contingent effects of the proposed law>.
random, haphazard, casual mean determined by accident rather than design. random stresses lack of definite aim, fixed goal, or regular procedure <a random selection of books>. haphazard applies to what is done without regard for regularity or fitness or ultimate consequence <a haphazard collection of rocks>. casual suggests working or acting without deliberation, intention, or purpose <a casual collector>.
random, haphazard, casual mean determined by accident rather than design. random stresses lack of definite aim, fixed goal, or regular procedure <a random selection of books>. haphazard applies to what is done without regard for regularity or fitness or ultimate consequence <a haphazard collection of rocks>. casual suggests working or acting without deliberation, intention, or purpose <a casual collector>.
2casual
noun
Definition of CASUAL
1
: a casual or migratory worker
2
: an officer or enlisted person awaiting assignment or transportation to a unit
First Known Use of CASUAL
circa 1852
CASUAL[1] Defined for Kids
casual
adjective ca·su·al \ˈkazh-wəl, ˈka-zhə-wəl, ˈka-zhəl\
Definition of CASUAL for Kids
1
: happening unexpectedly or by chance : not planned or foreseen <a casual meeting>
2
: occurring without regularity : occasional <casual visits>
3
: showing or feeling little concern : nonchalant <This is awful! How can you be so casual about it?>
4
: meant for informal use <Wear casual clothing for the tour.>
— ca·su·al·ly adverb
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