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Unfeelingly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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unfeelingly

[ˌʌnˈfiːlɪŋli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

in a cold and indifferent manner

Without compassion or sympathy; coldly and unemotionally.

Synonyms

callously, coldly, heartlessly, indifferently.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unfeelingly

Use this word when referring to actions or behaviors performed without any emotion or sensitivity.

  • She spoke to him unfeelingly, not caring about his feelings.
  • The manager unfeelingly dismissed the employee without considering their personal circumstances.
coldly

This word fits well when describing an emotionless or detached manner, often implying a lack of warmth or affection.

  • She coldly refused his invitation to dinner.
  • He coldly informed her of the bad news without showing any compassion.
indifferently

Good for situations where someone shows a lack of interest or concern about something, but not necessarily in a cruel way.

  • He indifferently shrugged when asked about the charity event.
  • She indifferently watched as the argument unfolded, not taking any side.
heartlessly

This word is ideal for describing actions that are particularly mean-spirited or cruel, showing no pity or kindness. It has a strong negative connotation.

  • She heartlessly broke up with him over a text message.
  • The villain heartlessly laughed at the suffering he caused.
callously

Best used to describe behavior that is cruel and shows a lack of empathy or concern for others. Often has a negative connotation.

  • He callously ignored the homeless man asking for help.
  • The executive callously decided to cut healthcare benefits for the entire staff.

Examples of usage

  • She unfeelingly rejected his apology.
  • The dictator unfeelingly ordered the execution of innocent people.
  • They unfeelingly ignored the suffering of the refugees.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • People who act unfeelingly may be perceived as emotionally detached, often leading to difficulties in forming personal relationships.
  • Certain psychological conditions, such as alexithymia, affect the ability to identify and express emotions, resulting in unfeeling behavior.
  • Research indicates that people who consistently show unfeeling traits can face social isolation due to their perceived lack of empathy.

Literature

  • Unfeeling characters often serve as antagonists in literature, showcasing a stark contrast to empathetic protagonists.
  • Classic novels sometimes depict unfeelingly behavior to highlight themes of emotional conflict and the consequences of lacking compassion.

Pop Culture

  • In movies and TV shows, unfeelingly characters often embody the archetype of the 'cold-hearted villain', making them memorable and easy to dislike.
  • Songs about heartbreak often depict unfeeling responses to love, personifying the emotional numbness that can occur after pain.

Philosophy

  • The concept of being unfeelingly can raise ethical questions about moral responsibility and the importance of empathy in a society.
  • Philosophers often explore what it means to live a good life, and a lack of emotional connection is frequently viewed as detrimental to well-being.

Origin of 'unfeelingly'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'unfeelingly' is derived from 'unfeeling', which combines the prefix 'un-', meaning not, with 'feeling', relating to emotions.
  • Its roots can be traced back to Old English where 'feol’ highlighted the ability to perceive emotional states.

The word 'unfeelingly' is derived from the combination of 'un-' meaning 'not' and 'feelingly' which is the adverb form of 'feeling'. It first appeared in the English language in the early 17th century. The use of 'unfeelingly' has persisted over the centuries, evolving to describe actions or behavior lacking in compassion or empathy.

See also: feel, feelers, feeling, feelings, unfeeling, unfeelingness.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,613, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.