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Apathy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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apathy

[ˈapəθi ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

feeling

Lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern. Apathy is characterized by a lack of motivation or emotion towards something.

Synonyms

indifference, passivity, unconcern.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
apathy

Apathy is often used to describe a lack of interest or enthusiasm in situations where there should be emotional engagement. This term is often seen in discussions about mental health or social issues.

  • His apathy towards the project was evident, as he barely contributed any ideas.
  • The rise in unemployment brought about widespread apathy among the youth.
indifference

Indifference refers to a lack of concern or interest and can be used in both casual and formal contexts. It implies neutrality rather than negativity.

  • Her indifference to the outcome of the match surprised everyone.
  • The government seemed indifferent to the citizens' demands.
unconcern

Unconcern is a straightforward term used to express a lack of worry or interest. It is slightly more casual and straightforward than 'indifference'.

  • Despite the warnings, his unconcern for the potential dangers was troubling.
  • Her unconcern about meeting the deadline annoyed her teammates.
passivity

Passivity is used to describe a state of inaction or acceptance without resistance. It is often associated with submissive behavior and can have a slightly negative connotation.

  • His passivity in group discussions made it hard to gauge his true opinions.
  • The community's passivity towards the new policy changes concerned the activists.

Examples of usage

  • Her apathy towards the project was evident in her lack of participation.
  • The apathy of the students towards the school assembly was disappointing.
Context #2 | Noun

behavior

A lack of feeling, emotion, or interest. Apathy can manifest as a disinterest in social interactions or activities.

Synonyms

apathetic, passive, unresponsive.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
apathy

Use when referring to a general lack of interest or concern by a person or group of people.

  • The apathy among voters is concerning for this election
  • His apathy towards the project resulted in its failure
apathetic

Used to describe a person who shows or feels no interest, enthusiasm, or concern.

  • She was apathetic about the meeting, showing no engagement or interest
  • His apathetic attitude made it hard for his coworkers to rely on him
unresponsive

Refers to someone who does not react or respond, especially in situations where a response is expected.

  • Despite several questions, the official remained unresponsive during the press conference
  • The patient was unresponsive to the treatment
passive

Describes someone who allows things to happen or accepts what other people do with minimal resistance. Often has a neutral or slightly negative connotation.

  • He remained passive during the argument, not defending his position
  • The passive student rarely participated in class discussions

Examples of usage

  • His apathy towards social events often led to misunderstandings with his friends.
  • The apathy of the employees was affecting the overall productivity of the company.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Apathy can be a symptom of various mental health disorders, including depression and schizophrenia.
  • Studies suggest that shyness and social anxiety can lead to feelings of apathy in certain situations.
  • Chronic apathy can affect motivation, leading to a cycle of inactivity and disengagement.

Pop Culture

  • Apathy is a recurring theme in various literature, illustrating characters who struggle with emotional connections.
  • 'Apathy' is often portrayed in films as a state experienced by characters facing overwhelming life challenges.

Science

  • Research in neuroscience indicates that apathy might be linked to specific brain areas responsible for motivation.
  • Some studies reveal that imbalances in neurotransmitters can contribute to feelings of apathy.
  • In animal studies, apathy can be observed in various species when they experience stress or lack of stimulation.

Social Issues

  • Apathy can be prevalent in communities facing systemic issues, leading to voter disengagement and social unrest.
  • Activists often cite apathy as a barrier to mobilizing communities for social change.
  • Exploring the reasons behind collective apathy can provide insights into societal behavior and engagement levels.

Origin of 'apathy'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Greek word 'apatheia', which means 'without feeling'.
  • It evolved to describe not just physical feelings, but emotional ones as well.
  • Historically, the term was used in philosophical discussions about ethics and emotions.

The word 'apathy' originated from the Greek word 'apatheia', meaning 'without feeling'. It first appeared in English in the 17th century. The concept of apathy has been discussed in philosophical and psychological contexts, highlighting the importance of emotional engagement and motivation in human behavior.

See also: antipathy, empath, path, pathetic, pathfinder, pathogen, pathogenicity, pathway.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,154, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.