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

When Fox News figures casually invoke mass violence, whether through forced lethal injections or bombing international institutions, it’s not just reckless rhetoric.

From Salon

Bridget Derraugh, Stringer’s girlfriend of nearly two years, was casually scrolling on Hinge in spring 2024 when she stumbled across a ceramicist whose work looked familiar.

From Los Angeles Times

Previously, she had integrated spatial vocabulary casually into classroom by reminding children to put a basket “on” a shelf or to put their hands “behind” their back.

From Los Angeles Times

He rolled down his truck window one afternoon, and when I casually mentioned how fast summer had gone, he hit me with his gut-punching verdict: I had officially entered old age.

From Salon

Sitting casually in an office space in Century City, the veteran songstress had just dropped her youngest at college 24 hours earlier.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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