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apathy
/ ˈæpəθɪ /
noun
- absence of interest in or enthusiasm for things generally considered interesting or moving
- absence of emotion
Word History and Origins
Word History and Origins
Origin of apathy1
Synonym Study
Example Sentences
It was more apathy than anger from the supporters who Gatland accepted had been let down by Wales performance.
Ultimately, early Black liberals rejected pessimism and apathy.
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.
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.
She recalled a sense of relative apathy about politics before Trump, but realized "pretty early on that I had made a serious mistake."
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Related Words
More About Apathy
What does apathy mean?
Apathy is the state of not caring.
The word is especially used to refer to a lack of interest or concern about things, especially those that others find important or exciting.
It can also mean the absence or suppression of emotion or passion.
Apathy often means about the same thing as indifference, but it’s more often used in the context of someone’s lack of action when action is needed.
The adjective apathetic is used to describe someone in such a state.
The word apathy is typically used in a negative way to criticize such a state or attitude as being irresponsible or insensitive. When someone is accused of apathy, it usually means the person making the accusation thinks the apathetic person should care more—or at all.
Example: The apathy of your generation is astounding—it’s like none of you care about any of the big problems in the world!
Where does apathy come from?
The first records of the word apathy come from around 1600. It comes from the Greek apathḗs, meaning “unfeeling,” from a-, “a lack of,” and pathos, “feeling.” The same root forms the basis of words such as empathy and sympathy.
Apathy doesn’t necessarily mean feeling nothing. But it’s most commonly used to refer to the state of not caring enough to do something, especially in a situation that calls for action. In this way, apathy is often thought of as an intentionally indifferent attitude that people adopt in order to avoid dealing with problems, taking on challenges, or getting involved with difficult situations.
Did you know ... ?
What are some other forms related to apathy?
- apathetic (adjective)
What are some synonyms for apathy?
What are some words that share a root or word element with apathy?
What are some words that often get used in discussing apathy?
How is apathy used in real life?
The word apathy is usually used in a way that’s critical of those said to be engaging in it.
It is a war on the mind. APATHY VS EMPATHY. Where do you stand? What is your code of ethics? Who are you, not just what do you make or what do you do or how much money do you have: WHO ARE YOU? WHO WILL YOU TELL YOUR CHILDREN YOU WERE IN THIS MOMENT?
— Lauren Jauregui (@LaurenJauregui) June 1, 2020
If you’re good hearted and trying your hand at apathy today because it sucks to hurt again, 1. Me too. 2. It’s not working for me either.
— John Mayer (@JohnMayer) November 5, 2017
We must choose hope, over hate; action, over apathy. Every single day.
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) June 18, 2018
Try using apathy!
Which of the following words is NOT a synonym of apathy?
A. indifference
B. involvement
C. unconcern
D. detachment
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