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Heartlessness: meaning, definitions and examples

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heartlessness

 

[ˈhɑːrtləsnəs ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

lack of compassion

Heartlessness refers to a complete absence of compassion or empathy towards others. It is a cold and unfeeling attitude that disregards the feelings and emotions of those around us.

Synonyms

callousness, coldness, cruelty.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
heartlessness

Use when describing someone's complete lack of empathy or compassion.

  • Her heartlessness was evident when she ignored the homeless man asking for help
cruelty

Used to depict actions or behaviors that are intentionally harmful or mean.

  • Her cruelty knew no bounds when she spread false rumors about her friend
callousness

Best for situations where someone's insensitivity or indifference is due to being emotionally hardened.

  • His callousness towards his coworkers made him very unpopular in the office
coldness

Appropriate for describing a person's aloofness or emotional detachment; can sometimes be seen as neutral.

  • There was a coldness in her voice that made it hard to trust her

Examples of usage

  • He showed his heartlessness by laughing at the misfortune of others.
  • The heartlessness of the dictator led to widespread suffering among the population.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • Derived from the Old English 'heorte' meaning 'heart', combined with the suffix '-lessness' indicating absence.
  • In many languages, words associated with the heart are often linked to emotions, suggesting a deep connection between the heart and feelings.

Literature

  • Heartlessness is often depicted in literature as a villainous trait, representing the absence of empathy.
  • Characters like Scrooge from 'A Christmas Carol' illustrate the transition from heartlessness to compassion, emphasizing the importance of kindness.

Psychology

  • Studies in psychology suggest that heartlessness can be linked to a lack of emotional intelligence and difficulties in relating to others.
  • Clinical conditions, such as certain personality disorders, may involve traits of heartlessness, affecting interpersonal relationships.

Cultural Views

  • In many cultures, being heartless is viewed negatively and often associated with moral or spiritual failings.
  • Folklore and fables frequently portray heartless individuals as suffering in the end, reinforcing the value of compassion.

Pop Culture

  • Heartlessness is a common theme in movies and music, often used to highlight conflict between characters, such as in romantic dramas.
  • Songs that explore themes of betrayal and loss often portray heartlessness, resonating with listeners' feelings of sadness.

Translations

Translations of the word "heartlessness" in other languages:

🇵🇹 crueldade

🇮🇳 निर्दयता

🇩🇪 Herzlosigkeit

🇮🇩 kekejaman

🇺🇦 безсердечність

🇵🇱 bezserczość

🇯🇵 非情 (ひじょう)

🇫🇷 cruauté

🇪🇸 crueldad

🇹🇷 kalpsizlik

🇰🇷 무정함

🇸🇦 قساوة

🇨🇿 bezcitnost

🇸🇰 bezcitnosť

🇨🇳 无情

🇸🇮 brezsrčnost

🇮🇸 hjartaleysi

🇰🇿 жүрексіздік

🇬🇪 უსულგულობა

🇦🇿 ürəksizlik

🇲🇽 crueldad

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,225 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.