Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Not showing emotion; calm and composed: Describes a person or their face that does not express feelings or reactions, often in a deliberate or controlled manner.
   • Unresponsive to emotional stimuli; stolid: Indicates a lack of emotional sensitivity or a character not easily excited or aroused.

Usage and Examples

• Describing a person's demeanor or expression:
  • The judge remained impassive throughout the emotional testimony.
  • Her impassive face gave no clue to her inner thoughts.
• Describing a general lack of emotional response:
  • He listened to the criticism with impassive silence.
  • The soldier's impassive reaction to danger was a sign of his training.

Advanced Usage

• "Impassive" vs. "Apathetic": While both can indicate a lack of emotion, "impassive" often suggests a controlled or deliberate exterior, whereas "apathetic" implies a lack of interest or concern.
  • The guard's impassive stare was intimidating. (controlled exterior)
  • The public's apathetic response to the crisis was troubling. (lack of interest)
• "Impassive" in formal or literary contexts: Often used to describe characters or situations where emotional restraint is notable.
  • The butler maintained an impassive demeanor, betraying no surprise at the unusual request.

Variants and Related Words

• Impassively (adverb): In an impassive manner.
  • He nodded impassively, accepting the news.
• Impassivity (noun): The quality or state of being impassive.
  • Her impassivity under pressure was remarkable.

Synonyms

• Expressionless: Lacking facial expression.
• Stolid: Calm, dependable, and showing little emotion or animation.
• Deadpan: With a deliberately impassive or expressionless face.
• Phlegmatic: Having an unemotional and stolidly calm disposition.
• Unemotional: Not having or showing strong feelings.

Antonyms

• Expressive: Effectively conveying thought or feeling.
• Emotional: Having feelings that are easily excited and openly displayed.
• Demonstrative: Openly expressive of emotions.
• Animated: Full of life or excitement; lively.

Idiomatic Expressions and Phrases

• "An impassive mask": A face or expression that deliberately hides all emotion.
  • He wore an impassive mask during the interrogation.
• "To remain/become impassive": To stay or become deliberately unemotional.
  • Despite the provocation, she remained impassive.

impassiveAdjectivedeliberately impassive in mannerdeadpan humorhis face remained expressionless as the verdict was readhaving or revealing little emotion or sensibility; not easily aroused or excitedher impassive remotenesshe remained impassive, showing neither interest in nor concern for our plight- Nordhoff & Halla silent stolid creature who took it all as a matter of course-Virginia Woolfher face showed nothing but stolid indifference