| Library / English Dictionary |
IMPASSIVE
| Pronunciation (US): |  | (GB): | |
I. (adjective)
Sense 1
Meaning:
Deliberately impassive in manner
Example:
his face remained expressionless as the verdict was read
Synonyms:
deadpan; expressionless; impassive; poker-faced; unexpressive
Classified under:
Similar:
incommunicative; uncommunicative (not inclined to talk or give information or express opinions)
Derivation:
impassiveness (apathy demonstrated by an absence of emotional reactions)
Sense 2
Meaning:
Having or revealing little emotion or sensibility; not easily aroused or excited
Example:
her face showed nothing but stolid indifference
Synonyms:
impassive; stolid
Classified under:
Similar:
unemotional (unsusceptible to or destitute of or showing no emotion)
Derivation:
impassiveness; impassivity (apathy demonstrated by an absence of emotional reactions)
Context examples:
Sir Lothian Hume was smiling and nodding his head, whilst my uncle was coldly impassive, though I was sure that his heart was as heavy as mine.
(Rodney Stone, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
That impassive, mask-like face and demure manner could only belong to Ambrose, the former valet of my uncle.
(Rodney Stone, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
He held his guard somewhat lower to screen this vulnerable point, and he danced round his opponent with a lightness which showed that his wind had not been impaired by the body-blows, whilst the smith still adopted the impassive tactics with which he had commenced.
(Rodney Stone, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
