stoic
STOH-ik
/ˈstəʊɪk/
Enduring pain, hardship, or emotional distress without showing feelings or complaining.
Implies deliberate philosophical detachment and self-discipline rather than cold unfeelingness.
The story behind the word. Originates from the 'Stoa Poikile' (Painted Porch) in ancient Athens, where Zeno of Citium taught his students around 300 BCE. Because he taught at the public porch, his followers became known as Stoics.
Word relationships
- unexpressive: Unexpressive is merely neutral; stoic implies fortitude under suffering.
- impassive: Impassive describes a face showing no emotion; stoic reflects an underlying philosophy of resilience.
- emotional: Readily displaying feelings.
- hysterical: Overcome by uncontrollable emotion.
Commonly confused with
- stolid: Stolid means dull and unemotional due to lack of imagination; stoic means disciplined self-control.
Word family
- stoicism (noun): The endurance of pain or hardship without complaint.
- stoically (adverb): In a calm and unemotional way.
Collocations
- stoic calm
- stoic acceptance
- remain stoic
- stoic endurance
- stoic expression
Idioms & expressions
- keep a stiff upper lip
- grin and bear it
Example sentences
- "He maintained a stoic composure even when receiving the devastating news about his company's bankruptcy." Personal hardship
- "The stoic philosopher remains peaceful because he separates what he can control from what he cannot." Historical literature
Memory hook
A STOIC stands solid like a stone pillar on a porch. Standing strong on the public porch.
When not to use
Do not confuse with being unfeeling or catatonic; stoicism involves conscious mastery over reaction.
Fun facts
- Capitalized 'Stoic' refers specifically to the ancient Greek/Roman philosophical school of Epictetus, Seneca, and Marcus Aurelius.
Related words
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