cavalier
cavalier Lexical Profile
cavalier Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Showing a lack of proper concern; offhand, dismissive, or supercilious regarding important matters.
"The auditor criticized the company for its cavalier attitude toward financial regulations."
• noun
A mounted soldier or knight, especially in historical European contexts.
"The sixteenth-century tapestry depicted a noble cavalier mounted on a spirited steed."
A supporter of King Charles I in the English Civil War (usually capitalized as Cavalier).
"During the English Civil War, the royalist Cavaliers clashed repeatedly with the parliamentary Roundheads."
A courtly gentleman, especially one acting as a lady's escort.
"He acted as a polite and attentive cavalier, escorting her to the opera."
Word Nuance & Usage
While the noun historically carried gallant or courtly associations, the modern adjective is almost exclusively negative, criticizing someone for being dismissive, reckless, or haughtily unconcerned with important matters.
• Rhymes for cavalier
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the 16th century from Middle French 'cavalier', from Italian 'cavaliere' (mounted soldier or knight), ultimately deriving from Late Latin 'caballarius' (horseman), from 'caballus' (horse). The shift to the modern adjective meaning 'haughty' or 'offhand' arose from the perceived arrogance and swaggering demeanor of royalist horsemen.