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 Words From

• o·ver·cas·u·al·ly adverb
• ul·tra·cas·u·al·ly adverb
• un·cas·u·al·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of casually¹

casual ( def ) + -ly

Example Sentences

The residents of Piltover enjoy the privileges of life in an affluent and powerful society, one that casually oppresses the impoverished inhabitants of Zaun.

From Salon

Springfield lights incense as the friends banter casually.

From Los Angeles Times

There was even a primary news cycle—damaging at the time, but perhaps we’ll soon see Democrats’ embracing of this kind of thing in order to appeal to the casually racist and misogynistic Twitch streamer demographic—about Biden’s history of getting handsy with women in ways that made them uncomfortable.

From Slate

Casually dressed in black, her brassy side noticeably toned down, LuPone spoke with such quiet, oracular confidence that it wouldn’t have surprised me if she’d pulled out a deck of Tarot cards and started divining our futures.

From Los Angeles Times

Kinchens casually dropped the ball just before — or maybe just as — he crossed the goal line.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• carelessly
• coolly
• indifferently
• informally