The adjective nonchalant is used to describe someone who behaves in a coolly unconcerned manner or exudes a calm, casual air. If a person is feeling nervous or uncertain but wants to give an impression of confidence—as, for example, during a job interview or on a first date—they might try to appear nonchalant. But a nonchalant attitude in the face of serious matters or perilous circumstances can be received as chilly indifference.

Someone who is inquisitive asks a lot of questions. An inquisitive nature in many cases reflects intellectual curiosity—a generally desirable trait! However, inquisitive is sometimes used to suggest a degree of intrusiveness and inappropriateness. That said, be careful not to confuse inquisitive with inquisitorial, which, in pointing to inquisitions and inquisitors, calls to mind excessive cruelty.

The verb laud is a more celebratory way to say praise. If you laud the accomplishments, efforts, or achievements of another person, then you’re singing their praises. While we don’t mean singing literally (though who doesn’t love an impromptu serenade?), the suggestion of song is rooted in the history of this word: in its earliest uses, the verb laud suggested an act of worship, as the singing of a hymn, and a laud (noun) is a song or hymn of praise.