casualcas‧u‧al /ˈkæʒuəl/ ●●○ adjective 
a casual manner His eyes were angry, though he sounded casual. Marsha was quite casual about appearing on TV. She had a casual attitude to life.2not formal not formal or not for a formal situation OPP formal: Jean felt more comfortable in casual clothes. a casual jacket3work employed as a temporary worker or working for only a short period of time: casual labour staff employed on a casual basis Chris has occasional casual work but mostly he is unemployed.4relationship knowing someone or having sex with someone without wanting a close relationship with them OPP serious: She will never be more than a casual acquaintance. They had been conducting a casual affair for years. John just wanted casual sex.5without attention without any serious interest or attention: He gave us a casual glance as he walked by, but didn’t stop. To the casual observer (=to someone who is not looking carefully) Mary seemed quite calm.► see thesaurus at careless6not planned [only before noun] happening by chance without being planned: a casual conversation He made some casual remark (=one without thinking much about it) about her holiday.7not regular [only before noun] doing something or using something sometimes but not regularly or often SYN occasional: a casual drug user The museum is of great interest, both to experts and to casual visitors.—casually adverb: a casually dressed young man ‘Where do you work?’ she asked casually. He walked down the road, casually swinging his bag.—casualness noun [uncountable]
WORD ORIGINcasual
Origin:
1300-1400 Old French casuel, from Late Latin casualis, from Latin casus; ➔ CASE1EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- casual shoes
- Casual users of the library may not realize that they now need a computerized ticket.
- a casual encounter
- Are shorts appropriate at a casual party?
- Charging an entry fee for museums will not affect the casual visitor very much.
- Even casual visitors to the museum could save money with a membership card.
- He had a casual attitude toward studying and grades.
- Plaid curtains give the room a casual look.
- She hurried into the room with no more than a casual glance in our direction.
- the casual use of marijuana
- Thompson's management style is casual but organized.
- Wayne just took a casual glance at the newspaper.
- And these are more than the casual conclusions of two men.
- As usual she was stunning, white linen jacket and trousers supremely casual and graceful.
- Because of my Tokyo-bred punctuality, I could not get used to such a casual lifestyle.
- It is one thing to shock a parent with casual profanity.
- Nasal swabs or swabs taken directly from discharging abscesses can be cultured to confirm the presence of the casual bacteria.
- Off steps a brusque and bristling figure, carrying a kitbag and casual in a crew-neck sweater.
- Other more casual visitors could wander in out of curiosity where churches remained open.
- The kids were trying to act casual, but they were still a little dazed.
THESAURUS
not paying enough attention to what you are doing, so that you make mistakes, damage things etc: · I made a few careless mistakes.· It was careless of you to leave your purse lying about.· He started getting careless about taking his medication.
often dropping or breaking things because you move around in a careless way: · I’m so clumsy, I spilt milk all over the floor.· a clumsy child
careless and lazy in the way you do your work or in your behaviour generally: · As a student, he was brilliant but sloppy.· I will not tolerate sloppy work.
especially written doing dangerous or stupid things without thinking about your own or other people’s safety: · The driver of the car was arrested for reckless driving.· His actions showed a reckless disregard for human life.
careless in a way that might affect other people, especially when you should be taking care of them: · It’s irresponsible for parents to let their children smoke.· his irresponsible attitude to keeping animals
carelessly saying something that upsets or embarrasses someone, without intending to do this: · He kept making tactless remarks about her appearance.· a tactless question· I thought it would be tactless to ask about her divorce.
not being careful enough about something and treating it as though it is not important: · He seems to have a very casual attitude towards his work.· She disliked the casual way in which he made decisions affecting other people’s lives.
careless about something that you are responsible for, so that serious mistakes are made – used especially when someone will be officially punished for this: · The doctor was negligent in using the wrong type of needle.· They found him guilty of negligent conduct.
Longman Language Activatornot caring about something not worried or not caring about something, especially when you would normally expect someone to care: · It was strange. They threatened to fire him, but he seemed quite unconcerned.unconcerned about: · She seemed unconcerned about the risk of violence.· They appeared completely unconcerned about the shelling going on around them.
not seeming to care about what is happening, especially about other people's problems or feelings: · Her father was quite friendly, but her mother seemed somewhat cold and indifferent.indifferent to: · His opponents have tried to characterize him as indifferent to the concerns of the working class.
not interested in anything or not caring about anything, and not making any effort to change or improve things: · The voters have become increasingly apathetic over the last several years.apathetic about: · Parents are completely apathetic about their children's education and show little interest in it.
not caring or worrying about something that other people think is important: · She used to be very meticulous about her work but she's becoming very blasé.· I was surprised by Carol's blasé attitude.· Despite his air of blasé , there was something childlike and curious about Andy Warhol.blasé about: · People have become blasé about the violence they see on their TV screens.
seeming not to care or pretending not to care about something: · She hurried into the room with no more than a casual glance in our direction.casual attitude (casual toward/about something): · He had a casual attitude toward studying and grades.
not caring or seeming not to care about something or someone: offhand with: · The store manager was rather offhand with us at first.· She said you were a bit offhand with her this afternoon.offhand reply/manner/ attitude etc: · I didn't like his offhand manner.
seeming not to care about something, especially when you really do care but are trying to pretend that you do not: · a nonchalant attitude· "I'm sorry I'm so late. Have you been waiting long?" he asked. She gave a nonchalant shrug.try to appear/look nonchalant: · When Peter came in, she glanced up, trying to appear nonchalant.
to have sex with a lot of people informal to have sex with many different people over a period of time, usually without having a serious relationship with any of them: · I don't sleep around any more, not since I met Jack.· If you sleep around, you increase your risk of getting AIDS.
when someone has sex with someone without intending to have a serious relationship with them, especially when they do this many times: · I've only known you a few days Luke, and I don't go in for casual sex.· It wasn't difficult to pick up people for casual sex, but it was difficult to form any sort of relationship with someone.
someone who is promiscuous has sex with many different people, usually without having a serious relationship with any of them: · Promiscuous men are rarely criticized as severely as promiscuous women.· The survey found that single men aged 18--35 were more promiscuous than any other social group.
a wild party where people have sex with a lot of different people: · a wild drunken orgy· What do you think's going to happen? I'm not going to an orgy or anything.
also slag informal an insulting word for a woman who has sex with a lot of different men over a period of time - used to show strong disapproval: · He made me take off the red lipstick, saying it made me look like a slut.· That little slag slept with my husband.
informal a man who has sex with a lot of different women over a period of time - use this especially when the man is proud of his sexual activities: · Josh had a reputation of being the college stud.· A woman who behaves promiscuously is called a slut, but a man who behaves the same way is admiringly called a stud.
a woman who always wants to have sex or has sex with a lot of people, and is therefore considered morally bad: · Even these days, a woman who has a lot of boyfriends is labelled a "nymphomaniac'.
words for describing something that happens sometimes but not often · The prisoners are allowed occasional visits from their relatives.the occasional/an occasional · The street was silent except for the occasional burst of laughter from one of the workmen.· I didn't know Terry very well, but we went out for an occasional drink together.
: the odd drink/game/occasion etc especially spoken a few drinks, games etc at various times, but not often and not regularly: · Jim and I have the odd game of cards together.· We get the odd complaint from customers, but mostly they're very satisfied.
happening for short irregular periods, often with long periods in between, not continuously: · She is the sort of person who works with intense but intermittent effort.· The afternoon will be warm but unsettled, with intermittent light rain.
happening sometimes, usually every few months, years etc: · She suffered periodic bouts of depression.· Periodic failures of the olive crop kept the country in constant debt.· The budget is subject to periodic review.
: casual user/visitor etc someone who does not often use something, visit somewhere etc: · Casual users of the library may not realize that they now need a computerized ticket.· Charging an entry fee for museums will not affect the casual visitor very much.
WORD SETSanorak, nounarm, nounascot, nounBabygro, nounbalaclava, nounbandanna, nounbaseball cap, nounbasque, nounbathing cap, nounbathing costume, nounbathing suit, nounbathing trunks, nounbathrobe, nounbath towel, nounbeachwear, nounbeading, nounbeanie, nounbearskin, nounbell-bottoms, nounbelt, nounbelted, adjectiveberet, nounbespoke, adjectivebib, nounbikini, nounblack-tie, adjectiveblazer, nounblouse, nounblue jeans, nounboa, nounbobble, nounbobble hat, nounbobby socks, nounbodice, nounbody, nounbody stocking, nounbody suit, nounboiler suit, nounbolero, nounbolo tie, nounbomber jacket, nounbonnet, nounboob tube, nounboot, nounbootee, nounbootlace, nounbottom, nounboxer shorts, nounbra, nounbraid, nounbrassiere, nounbreeches, nounbritches, nounbrogue, nounBurberry, business suit, nounbustle, nouncaftan, nouncagoule, nouncamiknickers, nouncamisole, nouncap, nouncape, nouncardigan, nouncare label, nouncarpet slipper, nouncassock, nouncast-offs, nouncasual, adjectivecat suit, nounchemise, nounchinos, nounchinstrap, nouncloak, nouncloche, nounclog, nouncloth cap, nouncoat, nouncoattails, nouncocked hat, nouncony, nouncoonskin, adjectivecope, nouncorset, nouncourt shoe, nouncouture, nouncowboy hat, nouncowl, nouncowl neck, nouncrew neck, nouncrinoline, nouncuff, nounculottes, nouncummerbund, nouncut, noundeck shoe, noundeerstalker, noundelicates, nounderby, noundicky, noundinner jacket, noundog collar, noundonkey jacket, noundouble-breasted, adjectivedoublet, noundrainpipe trousers, noundrawstring, noundress, noundressing gown, noundress shirt, noundress uniform, noundrip-dry, adjectivedry-clean, verbdry cleaner's, nounduffel coat, noundungarees, nounduster, nounearmuffs, nounelbow, nounensemble, nounespadrille, nounevening dress, nounfalsies, nounfashion, nounfashion show, nounfastener, nounfeather boa, nounfeathered, adjectivefez, nounfishnet stockings, nounfitting, nounfitting room, nounflannel, nounflannelette, nounflat, adjectiveflat cap, nounfleece, nounflip-flops, nounflipper, nounfloor-length, adjectiveflounce, nounflounced, adjectivefly, nounfootwear, nounformal, nounfox, nounfray, verbfrilly, adjectivefrock, nounfrock coat, nounfull, adjectivefull dress, nounfur, nounfuzz, noungabardine, noungaiter, noungaloshes, noungarment, noungarter, noungarter belt, noungather, verbgather, noungathering, noungauntlet, noungear, noungetup, noungirdle, nounglove, noungloved, adjectivegown, noungreatcoat, nounG-string, noungumboot, noungusset, noungym shoe, noungymslip, nounhaberdasher, nounhaberdashery, nounhalter, nounhand-me-down, nounhanger, nounhankie, nounhard-wearing, adjectivehat, nounhatpin, nounhatter, nounheadband, nounheaddress, nounheadscarf, nounhem, nounhem, verbhemline, nounhip pocket, nounhobnailed, adjectivehomburg, nounhooded, adjectivehook and eye, nounhose, nounhosiery, nounhot pants, nounhousecoat, nouninformal, adjectiveinsole, nouninstep, nouniron, nouniron, verbironing, nounjackboot, nounjacket, nounjammies, nounjeans, nounjerkin, nounjersey, nounJockey shorts, nounjockstrap, nounjodhpurs, nounjogging suit, nounjumper, nounjumpsuit, nounkaftan, nounkerchief, nounkhakis, nounkilt, nounkimono, nounknee breeches, nounknickerbockers, nounknickers, nounlace, nounlace-up, nounlapel, nounleg, nounleggings, nounleotard, nounlinen, nounloafer, nounloincloth, nounlong, adjectivelong johns, nounlounge suit, nounlow, adjectivelow-cut, adjectiveLycra, nounmac, nounmackintosh, nounmantle, nounmasquerade, nounmatinée jacket, nounmenswear, nounmilliner, nounmillinery, nounmini, nounminiskirt, nounmink, nounmitt, nounmitten, nounmob cap, nounmoccasin, nounmoleskin, nounmonogram, nounmoon boot, nounmorning coat, nounmorning dress, nounmorning suit, nounmourning, nounmuff, nounmuffler, nounmukluks, nounmule, nounmuu-muu, nounname-tape, nounnational costume, nounnational dress, nounneck, nounneckerchief, nounnecktie, nounnegligee, nounnightcap, nounnightclothes, nounnightdress, nounnightgown, nounnightie, nounnightshirt, nounnightwear, nounnon-iron, adjectiveoff-the-peg, adjectiveoilskin, nounone-piece, adjectiveopen, adjectiveopen-necked, adjectiveouterwear, nounoutfitter, nounoutsize, adjectiveoverall, nounovercoat, nounoverdressed, adjectiveovershoe, nounoxford, nounpadded, adjectivepanama hat, nounpanel, nounpantaloons, nounpanties, nounpants, nounpantyhose, nounparka, nounpatch, nounpatch, verbpatent leather, nounpeak, nounpencil skirt, nounpetticoat, nounpillbox, nounpinafore, nounpinny, nounpith helmet, nounpj's, nounplimsoll, nounplus fours, nounpolo neck, nounpolo shirt, nounponcho, nounpre-shrunk, adjectivepull-on, adjectivepullover, nounputtee, nounpyjamas, nounraglan, adjectiveraincoat, nounrainproof, adjectiveready-to-wear, adjectiveregalia, nounrevealing, adjectiverobe, nounrobed, adjectiverubber boot, nounruff, nounruffle, nounrun, verbrun, nounsable, nounsaddle shoe, nounsailor suit, nounsandal, nounsari, nounsarong, nounsartorial, adjectivesash, nounsatchel, nounscarf, nounschool tie, nounscoop neck, nounseamed, adjectiveseamless, adjectiveseparates, nounshawl, nounshell suit, nounshirt, nounshirtfront, nounshirt tail, nounshoe, nounshoehorn, nounshoelace, nounshoemaker, nounshoestring, nounshoulder, nounshoulder strap, nounshowerproof, adjectivesinglet, nounskin-tight, adjectiveskirt, nounskull cap, nounslicker, nounslingback, nounslip, nounslip-ons, nounslipper, nounsmock, nounsmoking jacket, nounsmuggling, nounsnap, nounsnappy, adjectivesneaker, nounsnowshoe, nounsnug, adjectivesock, nounsole, nounsole, verbsombrero, nounsou'wester, nounsox, nounsporran, nounsport coat, nounsport jacket, nounsports coat, nounsport shirt, nounsports jacket, nounsports shirt, nounsporty, adjectivestay, nounStetson, nounstiletto, nounstocking, nounstole, nounstone-washed, adjectivestraitjacket, nounstrip, nounstud, nounsuit, nounsundress, nounsun hat, nounsurplice, nounsuspender belt, nounsweatband, nounsweater, nounsweatpants, nounsweatshirt, nounsweat suit, nounswimming costume, nounswimming trunks, nounswimsuit, nounswimwear, nountailcoat, nountank top, nountee shirt, nounten-gallon hat, nounTerylene, nounthermal, adjectivethong, nounthree-piece suit, nountights, nountoga, nountop, nountopcoat, nountopee, nountop hat, nountopi, nountopper, nountracksuit, nountrain, nountrench coat, nountrilby, nountrousers, nountrouser suit, nounT-shirt, nountube top, nountuck, verbtuck, nountunic, nounturban, nounturtleneck, nountutu, nountuxedo, nountweed, nountwinset, nountwo-piece, adjectiveunderclothes, noununderdressed, adjectiveundergarment, noununderpants, nounundershirt, noununderwear, nounundies, noununiform, noununiformed, adjectiveunion suit, nounupper, nounveil, nounvelour, nounvelvet, nounvisor, nounvoluminous, adjectivewaist, nounwaistband, nounwaistcoat, nounwaistline, nounwardrobe, nounwashing, nounwaterproof, nounwear, nounwedding dress, nounwellie, nounwellington, nounwelly, nounwet-look, adjectivewet suit, nounwimple, nounwind breaker, nounwing collar, nounwingtip, nounwool, nounwoollen, adjectivewoollens, nounwoolly, adjectivewoolly, nounworsted, nounwrap, nounwrap-around, adjectivewrinkle, nounwristband, nounY-fronts, nounyoke, nounzoot suit, noun
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY Jean felt more comfortable in casual clothes. staff employed on a casual basis Chris has occasional casual work but mostly he is unemployed. John just wanted casual sex. To the casual observer (=to someone who is not looking carefully) Mary seemed quite calm. He made some casual remark (=one without thinking much about it) about her holiday. a casually dressed young manCOLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES She was a casual acquaintance of my family in Vienna. the dangers of casual sex (=having sex with someone without intending to have a serious relationship)
1relaxed relaxed and not worried, or seeming not to care about something: Jean felt more comfortable in casual clothes. staff employed on a casual basis Chris has occasional casual work but mostly he is unemployed. John just wanted casual sex. To the casual observer (=to someone who is not looking carefully) Mary seemed quite calm. He made some casual remark (=one without thinking much about it) about her holiday. a casually dressed young man She was a casual acquaintance of my family in Vienna.· Most people feel more comfortable in casual clothes.
(=not very serious or important)· I only made a casual comment about finding the work a bit boring.
(=without any serious interest or attention)· The bench would have been difficult to see by a casual glance.
(=workers who do jobs that are not permanent)· The industry makes use of a large supply of casual labour.
(=observation that is not done in a very careful or organized way)· Even casual observation makes this theory improbable.
(=someone looking at something but not very carefully) A casual observer would have guessed his age at 70.
A casual observer would have guessed his age at 70. (=one that you do not think about carefully)· These days a casual remark can get you into trouble.· I didn’t mean to upset you – it was just a throwaway remark.
the dangers of casual sex (=having sex with someone without intending to have a serious relationship)· The company makes stylish casual wear for men and women.
(=working somewhere for a limited period of time)· Employees were fired and replaced with temporary workers.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADVERB· The hero uses violence in an almost casual way and the consequences are never properly addressed.· The first note seemed almost casual.· Just as important, it was a piece of indiscipline that illustrated the almost casual way Labour is conducting this campaign.· The arrest was a quiet, almost casual affair.· It seems to me the other one was almost casual.
· She sounded as casual as possible.· That does not mean formal, just not as casual as in the recent past.· Consequently, we're seeing it more on the high street as casual wear.· Too stunned to react or notice whether his face was as casual and without regret as his words, I hiked on.· I was almost as casual as Lee when he tapped in his short putt for the Open.· Few had any special skills; they worked as casual laborers, eking out a marginal existence, often reduced to begging.
· Other more casual visitors could wander in out of curiosity where churches remained open.· There are three very simple but profound advantages to a more casual style of dressing.· Our clothing became less sombre and much more casual and varied.· There was a shift towards a more casual, private, and hedonistic style of life.· The major changes will be in the food and establishing a more casual, diner-friendly atmosphere.· Keeping the length almost the same, he restructured the front with a textured cut for a more casual look.· There is an element that is still doing the Thomasville dining room suite, but we are becoming more casual.
· But this hardly seems sufficient, as an armoured defence, to deter any but the most casual of killers.· Even the most casual buy-and-hold investor should make a complete reassessment of holdings every five years.· The emphasis on them is apparent even on the most casual visit to schools.· I believe that perhaps the best example is an accident which attracted hardly more than the most casual public attention.· But I've noticed that a certain amount of loot helps to invest even your most casual remarks with a certain significance.
· Lord, how can he be so casual about it?· In fact, the interviews were so casual that everyone was reassured that they would be released as soon as the general strike eased.· But his request had been so casual that to refuse would have seemed as if she was making an issue.· This would mean punters know they are monitored so casual abuse might be avoided.
· She did not want to appear either too eager or too casual.· She was neither too casual nor too precious with them.· You seemed just too casual about the whole thing.· Undermanning can make the task nigh impossible on some estates; on the others the approach is far too casual.
· He looked very casual and exactly right.· It's all very casual these days at the frontier.· Yet it all began in a very casual way.
NOUN· He seemed to recall some casual acquaintance saying something recently about market gardening.· Still, Dave puts his family at great risk, yet takes smart precautions to protect a casual acquaintance.· You may have known some one else for twenty years and yet he will never be more than a casual acquaintance.· He will certainly have friends, neighbours, and casual acquaintances.· The majority were introduced to injection by a casual acquaintance.· Writers constantly have to deal with this prejudice, and it is well worth remembering this before discussing writing with casual acquaintances.· The young woman in question, a casual acquaintance of my family in Vienna, had inflamed me with cunning caresses.
· But they had still loved each other deeply and his casual affairs were just that.· I have a feeling that most women want more than just a casual affair.· She and Implexion had been conducting a casual affair for years; she knew him better than anyone.· And was he really trying to tell her that he really didn't indulge in casual affairs?· Men always indulged in casual affairs if they could.· The arrest was a quiet, almost casual affair.· It's my work that's important to me at the moment - I don't have time for casual affairs.
· The casual attitude may be related to the observation that the children were rarely changed and were often left in wet nappies.
· Particularly significant, was the fact that most workers were employed on a casual basis in very small workshops.· Is there a small office you could rent on a casual basis?· Has an attempt been made to identify nurses in the local community who would be prepared to work on a casual basis?· Gardeners and herders were mostly immune from controls on marketing since they marketed relatively little, often only on a casual basis.· Labourers were found in the docks, railways, factories and domestic spheres, many of them employed on a casual basis.· Your appointment on a casual basis will start on 1993 and will not in any circumstances extend beyond 1993.· Staff employed on a casual basis are entitled to annual leave with pay at the rate of 22 days perannum.
· Why can female staff in Canterbury wear casual clothes but the men have to wear shirts and ties?· Because his shoulders are narrow, he never works in his shirt sleeves, and is seldom seen publicly in casual clothes.· The man wore fitting and casual clothes and those of Holly were thin.· People in bright casual clothes sauntered about and lounged on the empty benches.· She saw him as soon as she started across the room towards the antique chest of drawers where her casual clothes were kept.· It was the foundation on which his whole image rested: the lack of pomposity, the charm, the casual clothes.· Where was the man of the casual clothes and easy manner?· What struck me was the uncharacteristic sight of Victoria dressed in casual clothes.
· Federal agents have discovered possible casual contacts between Kaczynski and four of the victims, according to the Oakland Tribune.
· He knew instinctively that this was no casual conversation and that for Cora-Beth's sake he must be honest.· People in his office view him with respect as some one who is self-contained and does not choose to join in casual conversation.· But the compensations for being unable to read or carry on a casual conversation are overwhelming.· Serious issues have been made into casual conversation.· I'd forgotten how funny it is; from now on I shall be using it in casual conversation more often.· It was into this quiet atmosphere of cigarette smoke and casual conversation that the sudden crackle of Foster's radio transmission sounded.
· He scrapped segregated dining rooms and often walked around barefoot and in casual dress, eating bananas.· Some have actually instituted casual dress on snowy days so that workers can dress comfortably and warmly when the weather turns sour.· On reflection she believed it was something to do with the way she looked - her casual dress.· It turns out that casual dress had not erased that distinction.
· Each of them is free to have casual encounters outside the strong arms of their love.· All the same, he appeared a pretty imperious figure on casual encounter.
· By Sunday evening he hadn't given the far side of the river more than a casual glance for over twenty-four hours.· He sensed more than heard the scuffle of trainer shoes on concrete behind him and threw a casual glance over his shoulder.· Mineral exploration and leisure development were to be the cover story and they would do at a casual glance.· A casual glance would have made it seem that her expression was stiff with anger.· At a casual glance, the club could offer merely what it advertises.
· Arrangements were made to obtain contributions from employers of casual labour who might have more than one employer in any week.· Unlike casual labour, skilled workers were heir to a tradition of militancy.· He subsisted on welfare, on charity and on casual labour.· Even now it is the magnet that draws the rural peasants and small businessmen looking for work and casual labour.· It covered predominantly skilled and organized workers while the casual labour problem and that of juvenile labour was untouched.· Moreover they could always use family labour or import casual labour to carry out any essential work.
· Some are large, others little more than snapshots, hung in a disarming and deceptively casual manner.· Yet Harrison had cause to cringe at the casual manner in which his case was opened and aired.· She nodded in what she hoped was an equally casual manner and followed him across the crowded foyer to the social club.· We can now prove a result which is often stated and proved in a rather casual manner.· She did not like hearing herself denied in such a casual manner.· He slung them on the banister in a casual manner.
· Even casual observation makes this hypothesis improbable.· The facts are all clear, but casual observation alone will seldom reveal the contingencies.· Even casual observation suggests politicians are not simply budget maximizers.
· To the casual observer, the tide may seem to be the only movement of water in the estuary.· A casual observer on Van Ness the other day saw even younger adults have difficulty.· To a casual observer water on a surface may appear to be in complete contact with it.· But lately, to the casual observer, it would seem that the match is being interrupted, or at least expanded.· This is the sight which stays with even the casual observer.· Even for casual observers the clues to its presence are abundant.· While the Macintosh still possess all the benefits it seems, to a casual observer, to be an incompatible system.· This is mostly due to the almost universal lowering of expectations among diehard fans and casual observers.
· To arrive at section three will, for most casual readers, be as a result of by-passing section two.· The casual reader sees no red flags.· Fascinating and highly readable, this book will satisfy scholars as well as more casual readers.
· I had a few casual relationships after I left the Sorbonne.· He was going with some one at the time, but it was a fairly casual relationship from what I could tell.· The victim and suspect knew each other, and it could have been more than a casual relationship.
· Let him wonder if it was just a casual remark.· Examples include money transfers, phone calls, letters and seemingly casual remarks.· But I've noticed that a certain amount of loot helps to invest even your most casual remarks with a certain significance.
· It was as difficult to record the casual speech of Zuwaya as it was to take an unposed photograph.
· I like both classically smart and casual styles.· There are three very simple but profound advantages to a more casual style of dressing.· This casual style was scrunch-dried with firm hold mousse.· Nubby fabrics, for example, better suit a casual style, while smooth fabrics are more formal.· He is wearing shorts and a shirt, an outfit that fits his casual style.
· A casual visitor might suppose it to be a temple dedicated to the genius of seediness.· This path isolates me well from casual visitors, but true friends are not deterred.· This could help deter the casual visitor.· Sublime the cataract might be to the casual visitor, but shrewder eyes were taking its measure.· Other more casual visitors could wander in out of curiosity where churches remained open.· From Brighton Station to the Palace Pier it is designed to be enjoyed both by casual visitors and dedicated enthusiasts.· To the casual visitor Cheltenham is a thriving shopping centre, a centre of affluence which attracts all the best names.· The upper river, above the loch, provides the best sport, and is rarely available to casual visitors.
· The vagrants from the casual ward had disappeared at the sight of the policeman; the street was empty.· The casual wards to be extended to accommodate about forty more men.
· We were learning to treat this daily session in a casual way.· In the same casual way, I have been looking for an Elvis on velvet.· The hero uses violence in an almost casual way and the consequences are never properly addressed.· This was typical of the casual way in which Jennie selected Girls to go abroad.· He flipped just one of the bolts in a casual way and strode off towards the farmhouse across the Paddock.· Just as important, it was a piece of indiscipline that illustrated the almost casual way Labour is conducting this campaign.· I didn't like the casual way he counted his money.· Yet it all began in a very casual way.
· She knew perfectly well from the many Press photos of him that he preferred casual wear.· Consequently, we're seeing it more on the high street as casual wear.· Today's look is still smart - even casual wear is part of mainstream fashion.· Our handsome first edition covers everything from suits to casual wear.· There was to be a show in the morning, mainly of street and casual wear.· Smart casual wear is quite in order for dinner time, but bring one cocktail dress for the Captain's cocktail party.· Tailored suits are teamed with polo-shirts and, if he's the outdoor type, there are pages of sports-inspired casual wear.
· Many were unemployed, many had only casual work.· At the same time, the opportunities available are often for casual work rather than permanent positions.· Chris had occasional casual work, but most of the time he was unemployed.· All strikers had to resort to some extent to borrowing, credit, casual work and other ways and means of managing.· A day's casual work takes on an extra meaning.
· New rules mean a set-back for army of casual workers.· Seemingly independent casual workers are often far from being so.· Taxing poverty Popular myth has it that poor peasants and casual workers in the Third World do not pay tax.
a casual manner His eyes were angry, though he sounded casual. Marsha was quite casual about appearing on TV. She had a casual attitude to life.2not formal not formal or not for a formal situation OPP formal: Jean felt more comfortable in casual clothes. a casual jacket3work employed as a temporary worker or working for only a short period of time: casual labour staff employed on a casual basis Chris has occasional casual work but mostly he is unemployed.4relationship knowing someone or having sex with someone without wanting a close relationship with them OPP serious: She will never be more than a casual acquaintance. They had been conducting a casual affair for years. John just wanted casual sex.5without attention without any serious interest or attention: He gave us a casual glance as he walked by, but didn’t stop. To the casual observer (=to someone who is not looking carefully) Mary seemed quite calm.► see thesaurus at careless6not planned [only before noun] happening by chance without being planned: a casual conversation He made some casual remark (=one without thinking much about it) about her holiday.7not regular [only before noun] doing something or using something sometimes but not regularly or often SYN occasional: a casual drug user The museum is of great interest, both to experts and to casual visitors.—casually adverb: a casually dressed young man ‘Where do you work?’ she asked casually. He walked down the road, casually swinging his bag.—casualness noun [uncountable]