casually

American  

[kazh-oo-uh-lee] / ˈkæʒ u ə li /

adverb

1. by chance; accidentally.

   Not many of my friends know about my art obsession—there aren’t many ways to casually slide Leonardo da Vinci into a normal conversation.

   With the new security protocol, it is no longer possible to casually grant access permission to a website you do not control.

2. in a way that shows indifference, apathy, or a lack of intention or understanding.

   She strolled in casually, as if she weren’t late.

   I wonder if the people who are so casually throwing the word "radical" around know what it actually means.

3. in an informal way; without formality.

   The wedding guests are casually but neatly dressed.

   This casually elegant resort offers 4-star food and fantastic views of the coastline.

4. in an occasional or irregular way.

   These are not people who go to the club casually—they are here every night of the week.

5. in a way that does not involve emotional intimacy or commitment.

   My sister has been casually dating a reality TV star, among others.

6. in a way that does not require significant skill or time commitment.

   Expect a casually paced hike suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

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Other Word Forms

• overcasually
  adverb
• ultracasually
  adverb
• uncasually
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of casually

casual ( def. ) + -ly

Explanation

Use the adverb casually for anything you do in a relaxed, informal sort of way. When you talk casually with a friend, you chat about this and that, rather than having a serious conversation or a formal debate. Anything you do casually is really no big deal. If you're allowed to dress casually at work or school, you can pretty much wear whatever is comfortable. When you casually hit a home run during your softball game, you make it seem easy. And if you casually stroll down the street, you're clearly in no rush. This word comes from the adjective casual, which comes from the Late Latin casualis, "by chance."

Example Sentences

Casually mention during a speech in Pittsburgh that your uncle mentored the Unabomber:

From Slate • Jul. 16, 2025

Casually defined shapes suggest cups, plants and birds, distilled to icons in the manner of computer graphics.

From Washington Post • Mar. 17, 2023

Casually, he'd slide two photos in front of me and ask which I liked better.

From Salon • Dec. 18, 2022

Casually inspired by a supposedly haunted rectory in Southeast England, the story struggles to link the couple’s domestic terrors with those of the outside world.

From New York Times • Apr. 15, 2021

Casually, Annie sank a shot from the top of the key as if it were a layup.

From "The Million Dollar Shot" by Dan Gutman

Related Words

• carelessly
• coolly
• indifferently
• informally