Apathetic: meaning, definitions and examples
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apathetic
[หapษหฮธษtษชk ]
Definition
feeling or showing a lack of interest or concern
Apathetic describes a person who has little or no interest, emotion, or concern about something. It can suggest a lack of motivation or enthusiasm. Apathetic individuals may appear indifferent, unresponsive, or passive in their attitude. They may seem disengaged or uninvolved in situations where others might show more emotion or involvement.
Synonyms
disinterested, indifferent, passive, unconcerned, uninterested.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| apathetic |
Apathetic is used when someone shows a lack of interest or concern about something, often in a way that suggests a deeper emotional disengagement. This word can have a slightly negative connotation.
|
| indifferent |
Indifferent describes a lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern. It's used to denote a situation where someone simply doesn't care one way or the other. This word can sometimes have a slightly critical tone.
|
| unconcerned |
Unconcerned indicates a lack of worry or anxiety about a particular issue. It implies that someone is not troubled or affected by something that might concern others.
|
| uninterested |
Uninterested describes someone who lacks interest or curiosity about something. It is typically used in everyday situations where someone's attention or enthusiasm is lacking.
|
| passive |
Passive refers to someone who is not actively involved or taking initiative, often implying a lack of resistance or reaction. This word can have negative connotations in contexts where action or assertiveness is expected.
|
| disinterested |
Disinterested means being unbiased and impartial, without any personal stake or emotional involvement. This word is often used in legal contexts or when discussing impartial judgment.
|
Examples of usage
- She was so apathetic about the team's performance that she didn't even bother to watch the game.
- His apathetic response to the news of the tragedy shocked his friends and family.
- The students showed an apathetic attitude towards the upcoming school assembly.
- Her apathetic behavior at work led to concerns about her commitment to the company.
- Feeling apathetic about politics, she chose not to vote in the election.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Greek 'apatheia', meaning 'without feeling', which describes a state of emotional indifference.
- In the 19th century, 'apathetic' started to appear in English literature to discuss a lack of enthusiasm or interest.
Psychology
- Apathy can be a symptom of various mental health issues, including depression, where individuals may feel a significant lack of motivation.
- Research shows that apathy can often manifest in people experiencing chronic stress or fatigue, leading to decreased engagement in activities they once enjoyed.
Pop Culture
- In various films and books, characters often display apathy as a key trait, indicating their disconnect from society or their issues, such as in 'The Catcher in the Rye.'
- Social media discussions often highlight generational apathy towards political issues, suggesting a feeling of helplessness among younger audiences.
Sociology
- Studies have shown that apathy can spread in communities, where a collective sense of disinterest may lead to social disengagement.
- Apathy in civic engagement often results in lower voter turnout and less community involvement, affecting democratic processes.
Literature
- Several literary works explore themes of apathy, often illustrating characters who feel alienated or disengaged from their surroundings, reflecting societal challenges.
- Poets and playwrights have used apathy as a device to critique human conditions and societal norms, questioning the reasons behind a lack of action or passion.
Translations
Translations of the word "apathetic" in other languages:
๐ต๐น apรกtico
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเคฆเคพเคธเฅเคจ
๐ฉ๐ช apathisch
๐ฎ๐ฉ apatis
๐บ๐ฆ ะฐะฟะฐัะธัะฝะธะน
๐ต๐ฑ apatyczny
๐ฏ๐ต ็ก้ขๅฟ
๐ซ๐ท apathique
๐ช๐ธ apรกtico
๐น๐ท apatik
๐ฐ๐ท ๋ฌด๊ด์ฌํ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุบูุฑ ู ุจุงูู
๐จ๐ฟ apatickรฝ
๐ธ๐ฐ apatickรฝ
๐จ๐ณ ๅทๆผ ็
๐ธ๐ฎ apatiฤen
๐ฎ๐ธ afskiptalaus
๐ฐ๐ฟ ัะตะปาะพั
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแแแฃแ แ
๐ฆ๐ฟ apatik
๐ฒ๐ฝ apรกtico