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Impassiveness: meaning, definitions and examples

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impassiveness

 

[ɪmˈpæsɪvnəs ]

Definition

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'impassivus,' which means 'not suffering,' blending 'in-' (not) with 'passivus' (suffering).
  • In English, it first appeared in the 17th century, reflecting a shift in how emotions were perceived in society.

Psychology

  • Impassiveness can relate to certain personality types, such as stoics, who advocate for emotional control and rational thinking.
  • Throughout psychological studies, people noted that impassive individuals may often experience emotions but choose not to express them.

Literature

  • Characters displaying impassiveness often appear in classic literature as symbols of control, resilience, or even detachment.
  • In many stories, the theme of impassiveness can highlight contrasts between characters who feel deeply and those who remain unflappable.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In some cultures, particularly in Eastern societies, impassiveness is seen as a virtue, promoting peace and harmony in social interactions.
  • Conversely, in Western cultures, showing emotions is often encouraged, which can create tensions between different cultural expectations of emotional expression.

Pop Culture

  • In popular films, heroes like Batman often exhibit impassiveness, keeping their feelings hidden to maintain a strong persona.
  • Music genres such as post-rock sometimes utilize impassive lyrical themes to evoke a sense of calm against emotional chaos.

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.