apathy

[ ap-uh-thee ]

noun

, plural ap·a·thies.

1. absence or suppression of passion, emotion, or excitement.

   Synonyms: coolness

   Antonyms: fervor, ardor

2. lack of interest in or concern for things that others find moving or exciting.
3. Also ap·a·thei·a, ap·a·thi·a [] Stoicism. freedom from emotion of any kind.

apathy

/ ˈæpəθɪ /

noun

1. absence of interest in or enthusiasm for things generally considered interesting or moving
2. absence of emotion

Word History and Origins

Origin of apathy¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; from French or directly from Latin apathīa, from Greek apátheia “insensibility to suffering,” equivalent to apathe- (stem of apathḗs ) “unfeeling” ( a- a- ⁶ + pathe-, variant stem of páthos pathos ) + -ia -ia

Word History and Origins

Origin of apathy¹

C17: from Latin, from Greek apatheia, from apathēs without feeling, from a- ¹+ pathos feeling

Synonym Study

See indifference.

Example Sentences

"Early Black liberals rejected pessimism and apathy. Studying their resolve can show us what it looks like to have hope in the face of setbacks and to relentlessly bear witness to the plight of the most vulnerable."

From Salon

Ultimately, early Black liberals rejected pessimism and apathy.

From Salon

The result comes after a tumultuous few years for the LDP which saw a cascade of scandals, widespread voter apathy and record-low approval ratings.

From BBC

Japanese voters are today heading to the polls in a snap election, following a tumultuous few years for the ruling party which saw a “cascade” of scandals, widespread voter apathy and record-low approval ratings.

From BBC

For all the apathy, politics in Japan has been moving at a fast pace in recent months.

From BBC

Related Words

• indifference
• insensitivity
• lethargy