casual

views updated May 29 2018

ca·su·al / ˈkazhoōəl/ • adj. 1. relaxed and unconcerned: he tried to make his voice sound casual. ∎  made or done without much thought or premeditation: a casual remark. ∎  done or acting in a desultory way: to the casual observer, rugby looks something like soccer. ∎  done or acting without sufficient care or thoroughness: the casual way in which victims were treated.2. not regular or permanent: the tent is ideal for casual outdoor use. ∎  (of a worker) employed on a temporary or irregular basis. ∎  (of a sexual relationship or encounter) occurring between people who are not regular or established sexual partners.3. happening by chance; accidental: he pretended it was a casual meeting.4. without formality of style, manner, or procedure, in particular: ∎  (of clothes or a style of dress) suitable for everyday wear rather than formal occasions. ∎  (of a social event) not characterized by particular social conventions. ∎  (of a place or environment) relaxed and friendly: the inn's casual atmosphere.• n. 1. a person who does something irregularly: a number of casuals became regular customers. ∎  a worker employed on an irregular or temporary basis.2. (casuals) clothes or shoes suitable for everyday wear rather than formal occasions.DERIVATIVES: cas·u·al·ly adv.cas·u·al·ness n.

casual

views updated May 18 2018

casual accidental XIV; occurring uncertainly XV; occurring without design XVII. — (O)F. casuel and L. cāsuālis (in its late and med. uses), f. cāsus CASE 1; see -AL 1.
Hence casually XIV; after medL. cāsuāliter. casualty casual occurrence, loss, etc. XV; casual charge XV; after medL. cāsuālitās.

Casual

views updated May 29 2018

CASUAL

Irregular, occasional, or accidental; happening without being planned or foreseen.

The term is used to describe an event that is unanticipated or unusual. A casual sale is one that is not customary, or done in the usual course of business—such as a jeweler occasionally selling vacuum cleaners.

Casual employment is irregular, periodic, or seasonal employment, such as someone selling ice cream only during the summer. workers' compensation laws in many states do not apply to casual employment.

casual

views updated May 09 2018

casual See alien.