Callousness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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callousness
[หkalษsnษs ]
Definitions
lack of empathy
Callousness refers to a lack of empathy or concern for others, especially when it leads to insensitivity or cruelty. It is the quality of being emotionally hardened and indifferent to the suffering of others.
Synonyms
cruelty, heartlessness, indifference.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| callousness |
Callousness is best used when referring to a lack of empathy or concern for others' feelings. It describes someone who is emotionally hardened.
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| heartlessness |
Heartlessness is used to describe someone who is completely indifferent to others' suffering, often in a harsh or brutal way.
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| cruelty |
Cruelty is appropriate when describing behavior that intentionally causes pain or suffering to others. It has a strong negative connotation.
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| indifference |
Indifference is best when indicating a lack of interest or concern. It can be neutral or slightly negative depending on the context.
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Examples of usage
- His callousness towards the homeless was evident in his refusal to offer any assistance.
- She was shocked by the callousness of his remarks about the tragedy.
unfeeling behavior
Callousness can also describe unfeeling or uncaring behavior, where a person shows a lack of sympathy or compassion towards others.
Synonyms
coldness, harshness, insensitivity.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| callousness |
Callousness is best used to describe a person's behavior that shows a complete lack of concern or sympathy for others. It conveys a deep level of emotional detachment and indifference.
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| insensitivity |
Insensitivity is a mannerism that shows a lack of awareness or regard for the feelings and sentiments of others. It suggests ignorance or indifference, often unintentionally.
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| coldness |
Coldness refers to an emotional or physical demeanor that is detached and lacks warmth. It might not be as deeply negative as callousness but still indicates a lack of friendliness or emotion.
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| harshness |
Harshness is used to describe behavior, comments, or environments that are unkind, severe, or cruel. It can be applied to both physical and emotional contexts.
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Examples of usage
- The callousness of his actions towards his colleagues made it difficult for them to trust him.
- Her callousness in dealing with her subordinates resulted in a high turnover rate.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Research indicates that high levels of callousness can be a part of personality disorders, notably among antisocial personality traits.
- Children who show signs of callousness may struggle with emotional understanding, affecting their relationships and social skills.
Literature
- Many classic novels, such as 'Crime and Punishment' by Dostoevsky, explore themes of callousness through characters who neglect morality and empathy.
- Shakespeare often depicted callousness in his villains, showcasing how it leads to their downfalls.
Pop Culture
- In modern media, characters displaying callousness are frequently depicted as antagonists, highlighting their lack of compassion.
- Music and film often explore the consequences of callousness in relationships, portraying the emotional turmoil it causes.
Social Issues
- Callous behavior is frequently examined in discussions about bullying, where individuals show a lack of empathy towards their peers.
- Understanding callousness is crucial in areas like mental health advocacy, as it can hinder recovery and support.
Origin of 'callousness'
Main points about word origin
- The term comes from the Latin word 'callosus', meaning 'thick-skinned', which reflects emotional insensitivity.
- Used in English since the early 19th century, it originally described physical toughness before becoming associated with emotional hardness.
The word 'callousness' originated from the Old French word 'caillosite' and the Latin word 'callosus', both meaning 'hard-skinned'. The term evolved to describe a lack of sensitivity or compassion towards others, emphasizing emotional hardness and indifference.