The spelling of the word "casual" can be a bit tricky. The IPA phonetic transcription of this word is /ˈkæʒuəl/. The "ca" is pronounced as "kæ", while the "s" is pronounced as "ʒ". The "u" is pronounced as "ə", and the stressed syllable is the "al" at the end. Remembering this phonetic transcription can help ensure that the word is spelled correctly. "Casual" means relaxed, not formal, or uninterested.
Casual is an adjective that describes something or someone as being relaxed, informal, or nonchalant in nature. It refers to a state or style that is associated with a lack of formality, seriousness, or strict adherence to rules or standards. Casualness implies a laid-back approach and an absence of pretension or rigidness.
When used to describe clothing or attire, casual refers to a style that is comfortable and informal, suitable for everyday wear or informal occasions. It often involves clothing choices that are not overly formal or dressy, such as jeans, t-shirts, or sneakers.
In the context of social relationships or interactions, casual describes a relaxed and informal attitude. Casual conversations are often light-hearted and non-serious, lacking a deeper or intense level of engagement. Similarly, casual friendships are characterized by a lack of depth or commitment, often involving less frequent social interaction and fewer emotional ties.
The term can also denote a type of employment or work arrangement, typically distinguished by a lack of a fixed schedule, irregular hours, or short-term commitments. Casual workers are often hired on a temporary or as-needed basis, without the benefits or job security that come with full-time employment.
Overall, casual signifies a preference for informality, relaxation, and a less serious approach in various contexts, whether it be clothing, social interactions, or employment arrangements.
1. Incidental, occurring by chance. 2. Relating to or caused by an accident.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Happening without design; coming to pass without being expected or foreseen; accidental.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "casual" has its etymology traced back to the Latin term "casualis", which is derived from the word "casus". "Casus" means "fall" or "chance" in Latin. From there, it evolved into Old French as "casuel", and eventually found its way into Middle English as "casual" during the 14th century. The term initially referred to events or incidents that occurred by chance or accident, later expanding to describe things that were irregular, unexpected, or not planned. Over time, "casual" also came to describe a relaxed or informal style or attitude, often associated with clothing or behavior.