Impassive
Emotionless; not showing any emotion or feeling.
adjectiveImpassive
Emotionless; not showing any emotion or feeling.
adjectiveImagine 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
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
- The judge remained impassive throughout the testimony, revealing nothing about his thoughts.
- Her impassive face gave away nothing, even after the surprising announcement.
From Latin in- (not) + passibilis (able to suffer), via Old French impassible; literally 'not able to suffer' and by extension 'not moved by emotion.'
IM PASS-IVE: Imagine saying, 'I'm pass-ive'—I pass my feelings by and remain unmoved.
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verbTo give someone greater knowledge, understanding, or insight about a subject; to illuminate or clarify.
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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.
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adjectiveDifficult to understand; obscure or highly complex.
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adjectiveHappening by chance or without deliberate planning; not intended. In music, it is also a noun for a symbol that temporarily alters a pitch.
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adjectiveSharp or biting in tone or taste; caustic or mordant in manner.
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adjectiveReady to agree or approve without protest; compliant.
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adjectiveRigid in opinion or purpose; not willing to change one's mind or position.
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adjectiveHaving or showing a high level of skill or proficiency; very capable.