cavalier

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'cavalier' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used as a noun or an adjective to describe someone who is hasty and offhand or bold and arrogant. For example: "The cavalier way the CEO addressed the employees made them feel disrespected and worthless."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The police were pretty cavalier about their use of the power of arrest," Powell writes of the treatment of Levy, who was notified the night before his arrest.

The Guardian

"There's not only disappointment, there's also anger with the way in which some people have been treating this in a cavalier manner".

The Guardian

Their rightful claim of social exploitation by a group of disproportionately wealthy bankers with a distinctly cavalier attitude towards social and economic equality went viral.

The Guardian

I did not know then, of course, that Richmal Crompton's creation had been famed for his cavalier attitude to life and those who would seek to circumscribe his enjoyment of it ever since he first appeared in 1922.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Still, we couldn't be cavalier with this.

The Guardian

In recent weeks Django has faced criticism for its use of racist language and its cavalier treatment of explosive material.

The Guardian - Film

But what has been a mark of Johnson's term in office is his cavalier attitude towards the truth and contempt for public scrutiny.

The Guardian - Opinion

Q: Boaden was either lying to the Pollard review, or she was telling the truth and she allowed a programme to go ahead in a cavalier way.

The Guardian

So Thatcher borrowed a dog – a cavalier king charles spaniel – and went for a beach walk on Constantine Bay, Cornwall, with Denis bringing up the rear.

The Guardian

This series Warner has wielded his bat with the cavalier energy of Virender Sehwag at his best, the combination of strokeplay and moustache suggesting less David Boon – another obvious comparison, given their shared refreshment preferences – than Errol Flynn.

The Guardian - Sport

But there is one key difference – Grayling owes no personal loyalty to Cameron, who has treated him in a cavalier manner over the years.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cavalier" to describe behavior that is inappropriately dismissive or lacking in due respect. It effectively conveys disapproval or concern regarding someone's attitude.

Common error

The word "cavalier" carries a negative connotation. Avoid using it to describe actions that are simply casual or informal, unless you intend to convey criticism or disapproval.

Linguistic Context

The word "cavalier" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe a dismissive or offhand attitude. As Ludwig AI notes, it suggests a lack of due respect or concern. It can also function as a noun, referring to a historical figure or a supporter of Charles I.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cavalier" is a versatile term primarily used as an adjective to describe a dismissive or offhand attitude. As Ludwig AI points out, it can also function as a noun. Its frequent appearance in news and business contexts highlights its widespread use in professional communication. When writing, remember that "cavalier" carries a negative connotation, so use it carefully to express disapproval or concern, as per Ludwig's suggestion. Alternatives like "nonchalant" or "flippant" can provide similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nonchalant

Focuses more on the lack of concern or indifference, rather than potential arrogance.

offhand

Emphasizes the casual and often dismissive manner in which something is said or done.

flippant

Highlights a lack of seriousness, often in a way that is inappropriate.

disregardful

Directly implies a lack of attention or respect towards something.

indifferent

Stresses a lack of interest or concern about something.

supercilious

Highlights an attitude of superiority and disdain.

haughty

Conveys a sense of arrogance and condescension.

dismissive

Suggests a rejection or downplaying of something as unimportant.

arrogant

Emphasizes an exaggerated sense of one's own importance or abilities.

presumptuous

Highlights boldness and a lack of respect for boundaries or social norms.

FAQs

How to use "cavalier" in a sentence?

"Cavalier" can describe a person's attitude or behavior when they treat something important with a lack of respect or seriousness. For instance, "His "cavalier attitude" towards safety regulations is unacceptable."

What can I say instead of "cavalier"?

Depending on the specific nuance you want to convey, you could use alternatives like "nonchalant", "flippant", or "disregardful".

Which is correct: "cavalier attitude" or "casual attitude"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they have different meanings. "Cavalier attitude" implies a lack of due respect or concern, while "casual attitude" simply suggests a relaxed or informal approach. Choose the phrase that best reflects the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "cavalier" and "arrogant"?

"Cavalier" suggests a dismissive or offhand manner, often implying a lack of concern for consequences. "Arrogant", on the other hand, emphasizes an exaggerated sense of one's own importance or abilities. Someone can be "cavalier about mistakes" without necessarily being arrogant, and vice versa.