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Definition of apathy

apathy

/ˈæp.ə.θi/
ap · a · thy
Adverb:apathetically
•
Plural:apathies
•
Adjective:apathetic
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apathy Lexical Profile

apathy Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern regarding things that others find moving or important.

Example

"Widespread voter apathy resulted in the lowest election turnout in several decades."

2

Absence or suppression of passion, emotion, or excitement; stoic calm (especially in historical philosophy).

Example

"Ancient Stoic philosophers viewed apathy not as laziness, but as rational freedom from destructive passions."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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Word Nuance & Usage

'Apathy' denotes a complete absence of emotion or interest, distinguishing it from 'antipathy' (active dislike) and 'empathy' (shared feeling).

• Rhymes for apathy

• Nearby Words

apartment
apathetic
apathetically
apathy
apatosaurus
ape
apelike

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed around 1600 via French apathie and Latin apathia from Ancient Greek apatheia ('freedom from suffering or emotion'), originally a positive Stoic philosophical ideal derived from a- ('without') and pathos ('emotion, feeling, or suffering').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Apathy. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/apathy
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