impassive

[im-pas-iv]

adjective

1. without emotion; apathetic; unmoved.

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

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

Other Word Forms

• impassively adverb
• impassiveness noun
• impassivity noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of impassive¹

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

Example Sentences

Someone on the panel of three impassive strangers stopped me every time I made a mistake and asked me to start again.

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You would still never describe Pickford as being impassive, however, and Green feels that emotion is still a big part of his make-up.

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Both Michael and Kerry Ives remained impassive as the prosecutor reminded the court of how they made their own grandson suffer.

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The city that Tom Bradley has led with impassive aplomb for 17 years is frayed at the edges, with aging sewers and inadequate housing stock.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“His skull was completely split … all in pieces,” she said, her face impassive.

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Related Words

• emotionless www.thesaurus.com
• matter-of-fact 
• placid 
• reticent 
• serene 
• stoic 
• stolid 
• taciturn 
• unemotional 
• unflappable 
• unruffled