apathy
AP-uh-thee
/ˈæpəθi/
Lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern about things.
Refers specifically to emotional detachment or indifference rather than physical fatigue.
The story behind the word. Formed from Greek 'apathia' (freedom from suffering or passion), the word was originally praised by Stoic philosophers who sought emotional freedom from disruptive passions. Modern English shifted the term to mean harmful indifference.
Word relationships
- indifference: Indifference means lack of preference; apathy implies a total absence of feeling or emotion.
- unconcern: Unconcern is mild detachment; apathy is a deeper, often concerning emotional flatness.
- passion: Passion is strong, enthusiastic emotion.
- empathy: Empathy is deep understanding and sharing of feelings.
Commonly confused with
- empathy: Empathy is feeling another's emotions; apathy is feeling no emotion at all.
Word family
- apathetic (adjective): Showing or feeling no interest, enthusiasm, or concern.
- apathetically (adverb): In a manner showing no emotion or interest.
Collocations
- voter apathy
- general apathy
- apathy toward issues
Idioms & expressions
- couldn't care less
- shrug of the shoulders
Example sentences
- "Widespread voter apathy led to a record-low turnout in the local municipal elections." Political analysis
- "The teacher struggled to overcome the apathy of the unmotivated classroom." Social observation
Memory hook
A-PATHY: WITHOUT ('a-') PATHOS (feeling/emotion). Without feeling.
When not to use
Do not use when describing physical tiredness; use lethargy or exhaustion instead.
Fun facts
- In Stoic philosophy, 'apatheia' was a desirable state of peace and self-control, unlike today's negative meaning.
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