Apathy

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈæ.pə.θi/

Definitions

1. A state of emotional indifference characterized by lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern toward people, events, or outcomes
2. A condition where an individual shows little to no interest, concern, or motivation regarding activities, relationships, or significant issues in life
3. A mental state marked by a profound lack of emotion, interest, or motivation towards various aspects of life, including events, relationships, and personal goals

Etymology: The Greek root of "apathy" held a meaning almost opposite to today's. Ancient Greek "apatheia" combined "a-" ("not") with "pathos", a word meaning anything that befalls a person, including suffering, incident and strong feeling. Its sense was "freedom from emotion" or "insensibility", and Greek philosophers prized it as a calm, undisturbed state of mind. Stoics and others treated it as a virtue, a way of not being ruled by passions. The word reached English through French "apathie", which came from the Latin "apathia". Its move from calm detachment to indifference happened gradually, as a state admired for its tranquillity came to be seen as a failure to care. The same root also gave English "pathos" and "sympathy", so "apathy" is effectively the negative of "sympathy": feeling with someone versus not feeling at all.

Synonyms: indifference, insouciance, detachment

Antonyms: empathy, concern, passion