casual

 
Pronunciation: /ˈkaʒjʊəl, -zj-/

adjective

  • 1relaxed and unconcerned: a casual attitude to life
  • made or done without much thought or premeditation: a casual remark
  • done or acting in a desultory way: to the casual observer, rugby looks something like football
  • done or acting without sufficient care or thoroughness: the casual way in which victims were treated
  • 2not regular or permanent, in particular:
  • employed or established on a temporary or irregular basis: a casual worker casual jobs
  • (of a sexual relationship or encounter) occurring between people who are not established sexual partners: casual sex had never been her scene
  • 3 [attributive] happening by chance; accidental: he pretended it was a casual meeting
  • 4without formality of style or manner, in particular (of clothing) suitable for everyday wear rather than formal occasions: a casual short-sleeved shirt an ideal coat for casual occasions

noun

  • 1a person who does something irregularly: a number of casuals became regular customers
  • British a worker employed on an irregular or temporary basis: the business employs eight full-time sales staff and ten casuals
  • historical a person admitted to a workhouse for a short period.
  • 2 (casuals) British clothes or shoes suitable for everyday wear rather than formal occasions: she designs women’s casuals
  • 3British a youth belonging to a subculture characterized by the wearing of expensive casual clothing and frequently associated with football hooliganism.

Derivatives

casually

adverb

casualness

noun

Origin:

late Middle English (in casual (sense 2 of the adjective), casual (sense 3 of the adjective)): from Old French casuel and Latin casualis, from casus 'fall' (compare with case1)

Spelling help

Spell casual and the related word casualty with -ua- after the s.