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Heartlessness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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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.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'heartlessness'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word heartlessness originated in the late 16th century, derived from the combination of 'heart' and 'less'. It has been used to describe the lack of compassion or empathy in various contexts, from literature to everyday life. The concept of heartlessness is often associated with negative traits such as cruelty and indifference.

See also: brokenhearted, dishearten, disheartened, disheartening, halfheartedly, heart, heartache, heartbeat, heartbreak, heartbreaker, heartbreaking, heartbreakingly, heartbroken, heartening, heartfelt, heartily, heartland, heartless, heartlessly, heartsease, heartthrob, heartwarming, hearty.

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.