Definition

1. Noun:
   • A philosophical system: The philosophical system of the Stoics, founded by Zeno of Citium, which teaches the development of self-control and fortitude as a means of overcoming destructive emotions. It holds that virtue, based on knowledge, is the highest good.
   • Indifference to pleasure or pain: The quality of experiencing pain or hardship without showing feelings or complaining; a calm acceptance of events.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Philosophical System):

  • He studied stoicism to learn how to manage his emotions.
  • The core tenets of ancient stoicism are still discussed today.

• Noun (Quality of Endurance):

  • She faced the difficult news with remarkable stoicism.
  • His stoicism during the crisis was an inspiration to everyone.

Advanced Usage

• "Stoic acceptance": A phrase describing the calm, uncomplaining acceptance of a difficult situation, derived from Stoic philosophy.
  • He met his fate with stoic acceptance.

Variants and Related Words

• Stoic (noun): A follower of the philosophy of Stoicism.
  • The Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius was a famous Stoic.
• Stoic (adjective): Having the qualities of calm endurance.
  • She remained stoic throughout the ordeal.
• Stoically (adverb): In a stoic manner.
  • He stoically endured the pain.

Synonyms

• Fortitude: Courage in pain or adversity.
• Equanimity: Mental calmness and composure.
• Apathy (in the context of indifference, though apathy often implies a lack of feeling, while stoicism implies controlled endurance).

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "Keep a stiff upper lip": This idiom shares the concept of enduring hardship without showing emotion, similar to the quality of stoicism.
  • Despite the loss, he kept a stiff upper lip.

Noun

1. (philosophy) the philosophical system of the Stoics following the teachings of the ancient Greek philosopher Zeno
2. an indifference to pleasure or pain