English vocabulary · B2
Cavalier
/ˌkæv.əˈlɪr/ · adj., n.
It means treating a serious thing as if it does not matter. You act too casual when you should be careful.
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Example sentences
- He was cavalier about the safety rules.
- Her cavalier response shocked the whole team.
Word origin and roots
from Italian
- cavallo — horse (from Italian)
Synonyms and nuances
- DISMISSIVE — treating as unimportant (Rejecting without thought)
- FLIPPANT — not serious enough (Joking about serious things)
- CARELESS — without enough care (Not paying enough attention)
Words with the same root
cavallo — horse
- cavalry — soldiers who fight on horses
- cavalcade — a parade or procession of riders
- chivalry — the polite and brave code of a knight
Lesson notes
Cavalier. It means treating a serious thing as if it does not matter. You act too casual when you should be careful.
Similar words are dismissive, flippant, and careless. Use cavalier when someone acts too casual about something truly serious.
He was cavalier about the safety rules. Her cavalier response shocked the whole team.
From Italian. Cavallo- means horse. A horse soldier who rode past danger without fear — that attitude is cavalier.