Main Entry: im·pas·sive

Pronunciation: \(ˌ)im-ˈpa-siv\

Function: adjective

Date: 1605

1 a archaic : unsusceptible to pain b : unsusceptible to physical feeling : insensible c : unsusceptible to or destitute of emotion : apathetic
2 : giving no sign of feeling or emotion : expressionless

— im·pas·sive·ly adverb

— im·pas·sive·ness noun

— im·pas·siv·i·ty \ˌim-ˌpa-ˈsi-və-tē\ noun

synonyms impassive, stoic, phlegmatic, apathetic, stolid mean unresponsive to something that might normally excite interest or emotion. impassive stresses the absence of any external sign of emotion in action or facial expression <met the news with an impassive look>. stoic implies an apparent indifference to pleasure or especially to pain often as a matter of principle or self-discipline <was resolutely stoic even in adversity>. phlegmatic implies a temperament or constitution hard to arouse <a phlegmatic man unmoved by tears>. apathetic may imply a puzzling or deplorable indifference or inertness <charitable appeals met an apathetic response>. stolid implies a habitual absence of interest, responsiveness, or curiosity <stolid workers wedded to routine>.