Impassivity: meaning, definitions and examples
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impassivity
[ɪmˈpæsɪvɪti ]
Definition
emotional state
Impassivity refers to a state of being without emotion or feeling. It describes a lack of response or reaction, often in situations where emotions would typically be expected. This term is often used in psychology and philosophy to discuss the nature of human emotions and responses. An impassive demeanor can sometimes be perceived as strength or resilience, but it may also be viewed as detachment or indifference.
Synonyms
calmness, detachment, indifference, stoicism.
Examples of usage
- He showed impassivity during the shocking news.
- Her impassivity was unnerving to those around her.
- Despite the chaos, she maintained her impassivity.
- The judge's impassivity throughout the trial was noted by many.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The term comes from the Latin word 'impassivus', meaning 'not suffering' or 'not feeling'.
- It is formed by adding the prefix 'im-', which means 'not', to 'passive', relating to the absence of emotional response.
Psychology
- Impassivity can be a coping mechanism, where individuals detach emotionally to protect themselves from distress.
- Some psychological conditions, like depression or certain personality disorders, may lead to a state of impassivity, impacting emotional expression.
- Conversely, in some situations like traumatic events, people may appear impassive as a response to shock or disbelief.
Literature
- Characters exhibiting impassivity often appear in literature to highlight their inner struggles or societal pressures that restrict emotional expression.
- Classic works, such as those by Kafka or Camus, often depict protagonists whose impassivity reflects existential themes of absurdity and isolation.
Cultural Perspectives
- In some cultures, showing minimal emotion is a sign of strength and control, contrasting with cultures that celebrate open emotional expression.
- Japanese culture often values a level of impassivity in public behavior, relating to the concept of 'wa', meaning harmony and restraint in social interactions.
Philosophy
- Philosophers like Stoics promoted the idea of impassivity as a way to achieve serenity and emotional clarity by not being swayed by external circumstances.
- In Buddhist philosophy, attachments to emotions are seen as sources of suffering, and thus, cultivating a form of impassivity is encouraged for inner peace.
Translations
Translations of the word "impassivity" in other languages:
🇵🇹 impassibilidade
🇮🇳 निष्क्रियता
🇩🇪 Unbeweglichkeit
🇮🇩 ketidakberdayaan
🇺🇦 беземоційність
🇵🇱 obojętność
🇯🇵 無感情
🇫🇷 impassibilité
🇪🇸 impasibilidad
🇹🇷 duygusuzluk
🇰🇷 무감정
🇸🇦 عدم التأثر
🇨🇿 necitlivost
🇸🇰 necitlivosť
🇨🇳 无动于衷
🇸🇮 nečustvovanost
🇮🇸 óhreyfanleiki
🇰🇿 сезімсіздік
🇬🇪 უსიცოცხლეობა
🇦🇿 hissiyatdan uzaq olma
🇲🇽 impasibilidad