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Impassiveness: meaning, definitions and examples

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impassiveness

 

[ ɪmˈpæsɪvnəs ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

emotional state

Impassiveness refers to a state of being unable to show or feel emotions. It often implies a stoic demeanor where an individual remains calm and composed, regardless of the circumstances surrounding them.

Synonyms

calmness, detachment, serenity, stoicism.

Examples of usage

  • Her impassiveness during the crisis surprised everyone.
  • He maintained an impassiveness that made it hard to read his thoughts.
  • Despite the chaos around him, his impassiveness was striking.

Etymology

The word 'impassiveness' originated from the Latin root 'impassivus,' which means 'unmoved' or 'insensible.' The prefix 'im-' is a form of 'in-' meaning 'not,' and 'passive' comes from the Latin 'passivus,' rooted in 'pati,' meaning 'to suffer' or 'to endure.' Thus, 'impassiveness' literally conveys a state of not being affected by emotional experiences. The term began to emerge in English around the 17th century, reflecting philosophical ideas of stoicism that were gaining prominence at the time. It has since evolved to describe various contexts where individuals show a lack of emotional response, whether in personal situations or broader social dynamics.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,512, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.