Is 'cavalier' formal or informal?

What's the difference between 'cavalier' and 'rude'?

How is 'cavalier' different from 'rude'?

Can 'cavalier' describe a situation or only people?

Is 'cavalier' used in academic writing?

Is 'cavalier' common in academic writing?

← Dictionary

cavalier

/ˌkæv.əˈlɪər/

IELTSAcademic

adjective

Showing little respect or care, with a dismissive attitude.

He gave a **cavalier** shrug and walked away.
Her **cavalier** reply upset the team.

Adinary Nuance

Near-neighbors: 'cavalier' differs from 'rude' by stressing casual contempt more than blunt harshness, and from 'dismissive' by adding a dismissive pride. Use 'cavalier' when someone shows arrogant disregard rather than simple bluntness.

In other languages

Spanish: Descortés
Japanese: 傲慢な
Korean: 만만하게 대하는 태도
Vietnamese: Thờ ơ, xem thường
Chinese: 傲慢的

Common phrases

cavalier attitudecavalier treatmentdismissive cavalier manner

Synonyms

dismissive disdainful contemptuous snobbish supercilious

Frequently asked questions

Is 'cavalier' formal or informal?: Is 'cavalier' formal or informal?
What's the difference between 'cavalier' and 'rude'?: How is 'cavalier' different from 'rude'?
Can 'cavalier' describe a situation or only people?: Can 'cavalier' describe a situation or only people?
Is 'cavalier' used in academic writing?: Is 'cavalier' common in academic writing?