nonchalance
UK[ˈnɒn.ʃəl.əns]US[ˌnɑːn.ʃəˈlɑːns]
n
a relaxed and calm manner that shows you are not worried or anxious
Morpheme Breakdown
non
chal
ance
non
not
chal
warm
ance
noun suffix
Etymology
the word 'nonchalance' entered english from french, where 'nonchalant' meant 'not being heated up'. its core components trace back to latin: the prefix 'non-' (not) and the root from 'calere' (to be warm, to be hot). the semantic journey is from the literal physical state of being hot or heated to the metaphorical state of being emotionally agitated or concerned. therefore, 'nonchalance' literally means 'the state of not being heated up', which evolved logically to signify a cool, indifferent, or unruffled demeanor, free from anxiety or excitement.
Analysis
Structure: non (not) + chal (warm) + ance (noun suffix)
non (latin, negative prefix), chal (latin, from 'calere' meaning 'to be warm'), ance (latin, noun-forming suffix indicating a state or quality)
Examples
she faced the intense questioning with remarkable nonchalance.
his nonchalance about the upcoming exam surprised his friends.
the actor's nonchalance on stage masked his nervousness.