How to Memorize

impassive - indifferent

Analysis

If a person displays no outward response or sign of being affected by something that would normally excite interest or an emotion, then they can be described as ‘impassive’. Behaving in this way can sometimes be an admirable example of stoic resoluteness in the face of adversity, but other times it can be a sign of a lack of emotional intelligence or a poor attitude.

Example(s)

1. To the surprise of those in court, the defendant remained totally impassive after being sentenced to life in prison.

2. I can always rely on Patrick in times of crisis. His stoic impassivity means he deals with things in a calm, rational manner.

3. It’s very hard to know what to make of Brenda. She has this air of impassiveness that makes her very closed and unapproachable.