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Calloused Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ–๏ธ
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calloused

[หˆkรฆl.ษ™st ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

feelings, skin

The term 'calloused' primarily refers to an area of skin that has become thickened and hardened due to repeated friction or pressure. This condition often occurs in areas of the hands or feet that experience regular use or stress. Additionally, 'calloused' can refer to someone who is emotionally insensitive or unsympathetic, suggesting a lack of feeling or concern. When a person is described as calloused in an emotional context, it indicates a hardened attitude or numbness towards the feelings of others.

Synonyms

hardened, insensitive, toughened, unfeeling.

Examples of usage

  • His calloused hands showed years of hard work.
  • After years of criticism, she became calloused to harsh words.
  • The calloused skin on her feet was a sign of her love for hiking.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Health

  • Callouses can form on the hands or feet due to repetitive friction or pressure, protecting the skin underneath.
  • While callouses are usually harmless, excessive callousing can lead to discomfort or even skin problems.

Psychology

  • In a metaphorical sense, being 'calloused' can refer to emotional numbness, where someone might not feel empathy due to past experiences.
  • People might become calloused emotionally as a defense mechanism after experiencing trauma or repeated disappointments.

Art

  • In literature, 'calloused' can be used to describe characters who have hardened their feelings or personalities due to life's hardships.
  • Visual artists often depict calloused hands to symbolize hard work, resilience, or the toll of labor.

Culture

  • In various cultures, calloused hands are seen as a sign of labor and dedication, respected traits in artisans and workers.
  • Many musicians develop calloused fingertips from playing string instruments, which is considered a badge of honor in their craft.

Origin of 'calloused'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'calloused' comes from the Latin word 'callosus', meaning 'hard-skinned'.
  • It has been used in English since at least the 15th century to describe toughened skin.

The word 'calloused' has its roots in the Latin word 'callosus', which means 'hardened' or 'thick-skinned'. This Latin term is derived from 'callum', meaning 'hardened skin'. The usage of the word in English can be traced back to the 15th century, where it began to be used in both its literal senseโ€”referring to the hardening of skin from physical labor and abrasionโ€”and in a metaphorical sense to describe emotional insensitivity. Over the centuries, the term has maintained its relevance in both medical and psychological contexts, highlighting how people both physically and emotionally develop defenses against pain or discomfort.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,609 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.