Vocabulary in context
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Apathy
A lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern.
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Imagine This
Some people do not have sympathy for the poor because they have a lack of interest or concern.
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Sounds Like
ˈæpəθi (AP-uh-thee)
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Looks Like
a + pathy; 'pathy' relates to feeling (as in sympathy); prefix 'a-' means without
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Remember This
Apathy is the opposite of empathy. The word comes from Greek pathos meaning feeling and a- meaning without.
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Other Forms
apatheticadjective
apathicallyadverb
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Connect With
empathy, indifference, detachment, zeal
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Note
Apathy describes a general lack of concern, not necessarily a negative judgment about others; be careful not to confuse with indifference in a specific situation where interest might exist in other areas. Distinguish it from temporary disinterest versus chronic disengagement.
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Study Deeper
Examples
- Her apathy toward the suffering of others shocked her friends.
- Voter apathy led to a record-low turnout in the election.
Synonyms
indifferenceunconcerndetachmentimpassivitynumbness
Antonyms
empathyconcerninterestenthusiasm
Etymology
From Greek a- (without) + pathos (feeling); literally 'without feeling.'
Mnemonic
A-PATH-Y: Without pathos (feeling). Visualize a road map (path) to caring that has arrows blocked, leaving you with no feeling.
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Abscond
verbTo depart secretly or flee, especially to avoid detection or arrest.
Indictment
nounA formal charge or accusation that a person has committed a crime, typically issued by a prosecutor or grand jury and used to begin a criminal case.
Curative
adjectiveHaving the power to cure; providing a remedy or healing effect.
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Empathy
nounThe ability to understand and share the feelings of another person; the capacity to place oneself in someone else's emotional experience.
Indifference
nounA lack of interest, concern, or sympathy; the state of not caring about something or someone, or of showing no bias in judging a matter.
Abasement
nounThe act or instance of humiliating or degrading someone; the state of being lowered in dignity or status.
Absurdity
nounThe quality or state of being wildly unreasonable, illogical, or ridiculous; something that is completely contrary to reason or common sense.
Accent
nounA distinctive way of pronouncing words; the act of emphasizing a syllable or word (as a verb, to accent means to emphasize).
Accolade
nounAn honor; a public expression of praise or an award.
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