devil-may-care

/'devlmei'keə/

Thân thiện

He has a devil-may-care attitude about his homework.

Definition

Adjective: 1. Marked by a carefree, casual, or reckless disregard for consequences: Describes an attitude or behavior that is unconcerned with danger, rules, or conventional opinions. 2. Cheerfully irresponsible or nonchalant: Suggests a lighthearted, often charming, lack of seriousness or concern.

Usage

This adjective is used to describe a person's character, attitude, or specific actions. It often carries a tone of admiration for boldness or a charming lack of restraint, though it can also imply criticism for recklessness. It typically precedes a noun.

Examples

• He has a devil-may-care attitude towards his finances, spending money as soon as he earns it.
• The pilot was known for his devil-may-care flying style, which thrilled some passengers and terrified others.
• With a devil-may-care shrug, she quit her stable job to travel the world.

Advanced Usage

• As a predicate adjective: While less common, it can be used after a linking verb.
  • His approach to life is utterly devil-may-care.
• Describing an atmosphere or style: It can modify nouns related to general demeanor or era.
  • The party had a devil-may-care atmosphere of endless celebration.

Variants and Related Words

• Harum-scarum (adj./adv.): Reckless, rash, or in a disorderly manner. (A close synonym, often interchangeable).
• Raffish (adj.): Unconventional and slightly disreputable, especially in an attractive manner.
• Freewheeling (adj.): Not constrained by rules or conventions; carefree.

Synonyms

• Carefree
• Reckless
• Nonchalant
• Cavalier
• Heedless

Antonyms

• Cautious
• Prudent
• Responsible
• Careful
• Conscientious

Idioms and Phrases

• A devil-may-care attitude: This is the most common collocation, solidifying the phrase as a fixed descriptor for a specific type of carefree recklessness.
  • She tackled every problem with a devil-may-care attitude, which sometimes worked brilliantly.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. marked by a carefree unconventionality or disreputableness
   • a cocktail party given by some...raffish bachelors- Crary Moore
2. cheerfully irresponsible
   • carefree with his money
   • freewheeling urban youths
   • had a harum-scarum youth

Từ đồng nghĩa

• raffish
• rakish
• carefree
• freewheeling
• happy-go-lucky
• harum-scarum
• slaphappy