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

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

From BBC

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.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Los Angeles Times

Rocky declined to testify in his own defense and sat largely impassive during the trial, brightening only when Rihanna or his kids showed up in the gallery.

From Los Angeles Times

There were gasps and tears but no outbursts of emotion; the atmosphere remained sombre; Megrahi was impassive; no-one banged on the glass.

From BBC

Related Words

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