impassive

[ im-pas-iv ]

adjective

1. without emotion; apathetic; unmoved.

   Synonyms: unperturbed, undisturbed, emotionless, indifferent, stoical, phlegmatic

2. calm; serene.

   Synonyms: composed, unruffled, placid, tranquil

3. unconscious; insensible.
4. not subject to suffering.

   Synonyms: unflinching, unaffected

impassive

/ ˌɪmpæˈsɪvɪtɪ; ɪmˈpæsɪv /

adjective

1. not revealing or affected by emotion; reserved
2. calm; serene; imperturbable
3. rare.
   unconscious or insensible

Derived Forms

• imˈpassiveness, noun
• imˈpassively, adverb

Other Words From

• im·passive·ly adverb
• im·passive·ness im·pas·siv·i·ty [im-pa-, siv, -i-tee], noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of impassive¹

First recorded in 1660–70; im- ² + passive

Example Sentences

In each frame, Ai faces the camera, impassive and nearly immobile.

From The Daily Beast

The high schoolers in the room are impassive, but the fathers give thoughtful frown-nods.

From The Daily Beast

Upon his return to Capheaton from his triumphant battle on the hustings he had been as impassive as his traditions demanded.

From Project Gutenberg

Probably what most recommended her to the critical mind of Miss Warrender was her impassive taciturnity.

From Project Gutenberg

A pallid haze breathes wanly on the surface of the impassive sky.

From Project Gutenberg

But Harvey remained impassive, detached, his eyes on the photographer's white muslin screen.

From Project Gutenberg

Over the stern impassive features of Caleb Landor came a look of yearning tenderness.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• emotionless
• matter-of-fact
• placid
• reticent
• serene
• stoic
• stolid
• taciturn
• unemotional
• unflappable
• unruffled