apathic
|a-path-ic|
/əˈpæθɪk/
without feeling or interest
Etymology
'apathic' originates from Greek via Latin and French: from Greek 'apathēs' / 'apatheia' (ἀπαθής / ἀπάθεια), where the prefix 'a-' meant 'without' and 'pathos' meant 'suffering, feeling'.
'apathic' changed from Greek 'apathēs'/'apatheia' to Late Latin/Medieval Latin 'apathicus' and French 'apathique', and eventually entered English as 'apathic' in the 18th–19th centuries.
Initially it meant 'without feeling' or 'insusceptible to suffering/emotion'; over time it has come to mean more specifically 'showing lack of interest or emotion' in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
showing or feeling no interest, enthusiasm, or concern.
Many citizens felt apathic about the local elections and did not vote.
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Antonyms
Adjective 2
lacking emotion or the capacity to respond emotionally; impassive or unresponsive.
After the long illness he became strangely apathic, showing little feeling even at family events.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/14 22:24