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

One of the most striking things about the video was how impassive you looked after breaking a world record.

From Los Angeles Times

Through it all stood the impassive Ancelotti, the masterly facilitator of great players, working it out with the help of those in his charge, including a lengthy touchline conversation with Carvajal close to half-time.

From BBC

So there’s a theory percolating online that if you adopt the qualities of a stone, becoming impassive and bland, then you will repel the argumentative, antagonistic people in your life who are itching for conflict.

From New York Times

Mr. Xi was impassive, but his wife, Peng Liyuan, smiled broadly and applauded.

From New York Times

Menzies, who plays him minus the historical Stanton’s impressive whiskers, the better to appear a 21st-century screen hero, catches his well-documented resolve, seriousness, impatience and impassive imperiousness.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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