Apathetically: meaning, definitions and examples

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apathetically

 

[ˌæp.əˈθet.ɪ.kəl.i ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

used in a sentence

In an apathetic manner; showing little or no emotion or interest.

Synonyms

indifferently, passively, uninterested.

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Word Description / Examples
apathetically

Used to describe a lack of interest or enthusiasm in a way that shows one does not care about a situation or outcome.

  • He apathetically scrolled through his phone, ignoring the important news
  • She responded apathetically to the invitation, showing no excitement
indifferently

Used when someone shows no particular interest or concern in something, often implying neutrality or lack of preference.

  • She shrugged indifferently when asked about her weekend plans
  • He greeted everyone indifferently, as if their presence did not matter
uninterested

Used when someone shows no interest in something, suggesting boredom or a lack of curiosity.

  • The student appeared uninterested during the lecture, frequently checking the time
  • He was uninterested in the conversation and kept looking around the room
passively

Used to describe someone who allows things to happen without active response or resistance, often implying a lack of initiative.

  • He passively accepted the decision without arguing
  • She listened passively to the instructions, not engaging or asking questions

Examples of usage

  • She listened apathetically to the news.
  • He apathetically stared out the window.
  • The students reacted apathetically to the teacher's announcement.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Greek 'apatheia', meaning 'without feeling', highlighting a lack of emotion.
  • In English, it was first used in the 1600s, indicating a shift in how people expressed emotion.
  • The prefix 'a-' means 'without', while '-pathy' relates to feelings or emotions.

Psychology

  • Apathy can be a symptom of various psychological disorders, including depression and schizophrenia.
  • It often signifies emotional numbness or a diminished interest in activities that are typically enjoyable.
  • The concept can play a role in motivation theories, highlighting how lack of interest can affect behavior.

Popular Culture

  • The term appears often in songs and literature, often to express disinterest in societal issues or personal struggles.
  • Characters in movies sometimes display apathy to critique societal norms, showcasing cultural disillusionment.
  • It has been featured in TV shows like 'The Simpsons', often humorously illustrating characters' indifference.

Sociology

  • Apathy is often studied in social movements to understand why some people remain inactive despite significant issues.
  • In a group setting, apathy can spread through social contagion, affecting group dynamics and motivation.
  • Research suggests that feeling disconnected from a community can increase feelings of apathy among its members.

Translations

Translations of the word "apathetically" in other languages:

🇵🇹 apateticamente

🇮🇳 उदासीनता से

🇩🇪 apathisch

🇮🇩 dengan apatis

🇺🇦 байдуже

🇵🇱 apatycznie

🇯🇵 無関心に

🇫🇷 apathiquement

🇪🇸 apáticamente

🇹🇷 apatik olarak

🇰🇷 무관심하게

🇸🇦 بلا مبالاة

🇨🇿 apaticky

🇸🇰 apaticky

🇨🇳 冷漠地

🇸🇮 apatetično

🇮🇸 afskiptalaust

🇰🇿 селқос

🇬🇪 აპათიურად

🇦🇿 laqeydcəsinə

🇲🇽 apáticamente

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,789, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.