Impassive
/ɪmˈpæs.ɪv/noun
Not feeling or showing emotion; indifferent.
Did you know?The concept of being impassive was historically linked to stoicism, a philosophy that emphasized the control of emotions to achieve a tranquil mind, almost as if one were practicing a form of emotional alchemy.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
impassivus
“Not affected by feeling or emotion.”
Late Middle Ages
Old French
impassif
“Unable to be moved or influenced emotionally.”
14th Century
Middle English
impassif
“Emotionally unresponsive; unable to be affected.”
Modern English
English
impassive
“Describing a state of emotional detachment or indifference.”
Explore more surprising origins