Word of the Day: CAVALIER

Domineeringly dismissive

cavalier (adj) - indifferent, casual, or dismissive in attitude; uncaring or unworried [kav-uh-leer]

• a cavalier is a horseman, knight, or gallant

BREAKDOWN: The word cavalier derives from the Latin word caballus meaning horse. Even though that root is less well known than the other Latin word for horse, equinus, it still inspired many Romance language words such as caballero and chevalier.

“Those who cavalierly reject the Theory of Evolution as not adequately supported by facts seem quite to forget that their own theory is supported by no facts at all.” —Herbert Spencer

[Our Wednesday Wildcards are fascinating and important words that are not necessarily derived from classical roots.]