Vocabulary in context
SAT Vocabulary Workbook
The closest companion to SATVocab for students who want guided lessons and written practice.
Check the workbook
Impassive
Emotionless; not showing any emotion or feeling.
adjectiveCheck this word before you leave
Pick the meaning. Keys A–D work too.
How well do you know this word now?
Your choice schedules the next review.
💡
Imagine This
Participants who are passive are usually emotionless and show no feeling or expression.
🔊
Sounds Like
im-PASS-iv
👀
Looks Like
Im_passive (not active)
📝
Remember This
Impassive contrasts with impassioned. The prefix in- means not, and passive relates to being moved by emotions; impassive means not moved by emotion.
📚
Other Forms
Impassivelyadverb
Impassivitynoun
🔗
Connect With
unemotional, stoic, indifferent
📌
Note
Impassive describes a person's emotional response, not their activity level. Do not confuse with 'impassable' (not passable) or with 'impatient' (not patient).
🧠
Study Deeper
Examples
- The judge remained impassive throughout the testimony, revealing nothing about his thoughts.
- Her impassive face gave away nothing, even after the surprising announcement.
Synonyms
emotionlessstoicexpressionlessunemotionalcold
Antonyms
emotionalexpressiveemotionality
Etymology
From Latin in- (not) + passibilis (able to suffer), via Old French impassible; literally 'not able to suffer' and by extension 'not moved by emotion.'
Mnemonic
IM PASS-IVE: Imagine saying, 'I'm pass-ive'—I pass my feelings by and remain unmoved.
Next Word
Continue in alphabetical order.
Try a Random Word
Pick any word below to jump in.
Charlatan
nounA person who pretends to have knowledge or skill they do not possess; a fraud or faker.
Enlighten
verbTo give someone greater knowledge, understanding, or insight about a subject; to illuminate or clarify.
Placid
adjectiveCalm, peaceful, and not easily excited or upset; describes a tranquil demeanor or setting.
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Abstruse
adjectiveDifficult to understand; obscure or highly complex.
Accidental
adjectiveHappening by chance or without deliberate planning; not intended. In music, it is also a noun for a symbol that temporarily alters a pitch.
Acerbic
adjectiveSharp or biting in tone or taste; caustic or mordant in manner.
Acquiescent
adjectiveReady to agree or approve without protest; compliant.
Adamant
adjectiveRigid in opinion or purpose; not willing to change one's mind or position.
Adept
adjectiveHaving or showing a high level of skill or proficiency; very capable.
Study beyond this word
Turn vocabulary practice into a complete SAT plan
Add a workbook for repetition or the official guide for full-test context.
First-time test takers
Official SAT Guide
Official question styles, test structure, and print practice from the College Board.
Check the official guidePaid Amazon links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.