Dispassion: meaning, definitions and examples
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dispassion
[ dɪsˈpæʃən ]
emotional state
Dispassion refers to a state of being devoid of passion, emotion, or strong feeling. It is often associated with a coolness or neutrality in one's attitude or perspective. This quality can be beneficial in situations where decisions or judgments need to be made impartially. Dispassion allows individuals to assess circumstances more critically without the influence of personal biases or emotions.
Synonyms
calmness, detachment, indifference, objectivity
Examples of usage
- A dispassion allowed him to make logical decisions.
- Her dispassion in negotiations led to favorable outcomes.
- He approached the issue with characteristic dispassion.
- Dispassion was essential while evaluating the evidence.
Etymology
The term 'dispassion' originated from the Middle English word 'dispassioun', which itself comes from the Old French 'despassion' and later from the Latin 'dispassio'. The Latin root 'dis-' means 'apart' or 'away', and 'passio' means 'suffering' or 'emotion'. Over time, the combination of these roots led to the meaning of having a lack of emotional turbulence. Used in English since the late 14th century, 'dispassion' often signifies a neutral, balanced state of mind that can be particularly helpful in contexts such as conflict resolution, decision-making, and philosophical discussions. The shift in its usage reflects a growing understanding of the importance of emotional regulation in human interactions and judgments. As societies evolved, so did the recognition that emotional detachment could lead to more rational outcomes in tough scenarios.