impassive

im·pas·sive

adjective \(ˌ)im-ˈpa-siv\

Definition of IMPASSIVE

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

Examples of IMPASSIVE

1. Her face remained impassive throughout the trial.
2. <she remained impassive as the officers informed her of her son's death>

First Known Use of IMPASSIVE

1605

Related to IMPASSIVE

Synonyms

affectless, apathetic, cold-blooded, emotionless, impassible, numb, passionless, phlegmatic, stoic (or stoical), stolid, undemonstrative, unemotional

Antonyms

demonstrative, emotional, fervent, fervid, hot-blooded, impassioned, passional, passionate, vehement

Related Words

cold, cool, dispassionate, unmoved; calm, collected, composed; imperturbable, unflappable; reserved, reticent, taciturn; bland, blank, deadpan, dry, empty, expressionless, inexpressive, stone-faced, straight-faced, vacant, wooden; enigmatic (also enigmatical), impenetrable, inscrutable; aloof, bloodless, detached, indifferent, insensible, unconcerned, unsentimental; impersonal, objective, unresponsive; hard-hearted, pitiless, unfeeling; inconsiderate, thoughtless

Near Antonyms

blazing, burning, fiery, flaming, glowing, red-hot; ardent, enthusiastic, gung ho, warm-blooded, zealous; gushing, maudlin, mawkish, mushy, sentimental; dramatic, histrionic, melodramatic, overemotional, overheated, perfervid; compassionate, responsive, sympathetic; reactive, sensitive

Synonym Discussion of IMPASSIVE

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>.