casually

[kazh-oo-uh-lee]

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.

Other Word Forms

• overcasually adverb
• ultracasually adverb
• uncasually adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of casually¹

casual ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

Musicians lingered, paused for selfies and after a long while Dudamel casually returned on stage to wave.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

There’s a beat when Michelle casually insists that a clear piece of glass is actually opaque.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Fans praised his insight and passion, casually referring to him as 'Danya'.

Read more on BBC

From there, he casually walked off the mound and traded his glove for a bat and a helmet without even entering the dugout.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

He sounds like an apparatchik addressing a party congress on the wrong side of the Iron Curtain, repeatedly declaring fealty to “the committee,” using Marxist buzzwords like “praxis,” and casually deploying “Zionist” as a slur.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• carelessly www.thesaurus.com
• coolly www.thesaurus.com
• indifferently www.thesaurus.com
• informally