impassive
Americanadjective
-
without emotion; apathetic; unmoved.
- Synonyms:
- unperturbed, undisturbed, indifferent, stoical, phlegmatic, emotionless
-
calm; serene.
-
unconscious; insensible.
-
not subject to suffering.
- Synonyms:
- unflinching, unaffected
adjective
-
not revealing or affected by emotion; reserved
-
calm; serene; imperturbable
-
rare unconscious or insensible
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of impassive
Explanation
Someone who doesn't seem to react — who is always "taking a pass" in the conversation of life can be described as impassive. Impassive is tricky, as it sounds it should be the opposite of passive. It's not, though. The fact is you can be passive and impassive at the same time. When a passive person gets passed over for a promotion at work, their face might remain impassive upon hearing the news.
Vocabulary lists containing impassive
Number the Stars
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List 7
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"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, Chapters 20–25
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He was, according to BBC courts producer Neil Henderson, "impassive" during the evidence stages in this month's trial.
From BBC ● Nov. 20, 2025
The normally impassive Carsley finally let his emotions out after the final whistle, joining the celebrations with his players, beaming as he wrapped an equally elated Jones in a bearhug.
From BBC ● Nov. 14, 2024
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 ● May 31, 2024
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 ● Mar. 14, 2024
Dumbledore listened to Harry’s story with an impassive face.
From "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" by J.K. Rowling
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
