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
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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
First Known Use: 14th century

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>.

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
CASUALNESS 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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