impassibility
|im-pas-si-bil-i-ty|
🇺🇸
/ˌɪmpæsəˈbɪlɪti/
🇬🇧
/ˌɪmpæsɪˈbɪlɪti/
not able to be affected (emotionally or by suffering)
Etymology
'impassibility' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'impassibilis', where 'im-' meant 'not' (a form of Latin 'in-') and 'passibilis' meant 'able to suffer' (from 'pati', 'to suffer').
'impassibilis' in Latin developed into Old French and Medieval Latin forms (such as 'impassible'), and the modern English noun 'impassibility' was formed from the adjective 'impassible' by adding the noun-forming suffix '-ity' in later English.
Initially, it meant 'not capable of suffering' (literally 'unable to suffer'); over time the meaning broadened to include 'emotionally unmoved' or 'not showing emotion' in general usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the quality or state of being emotionally unmoved or showing no outward emotion; indifference to emotional display.
Her impassibility during the crisis made others feel uneasy.
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Noun 2
the incapacity to suffer physical pain or to be affected (used especially in theological or philosophical contexts).
Classical theology often attributed impassibility to the divine nature, meaning God could not suffer.
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Last updated: 2025/10/12 17:47