Callously - English Definition & Meaning

Definition

To act 'callously' means to behave in a hardened, insensitive way, showing a lack of empathy or concern for others' feelings. It implies a deliberate disregard for the suffering or distress of others. Imagine someone laughing at another person's misfortune; that's callous behavior. It's more than just being rude; it suggests a deeper lack of feeling or compassion. It's like having a thick skin that prevents you from feeling anything for others. Callousness often stems from indifference or a selfish mindset, resulting in hurtful actions or words.

Etymology

The word 'callous' comes from the Latin word 'callus,' which means a hardened or thickened area of skin. Over time, the meaning extended metaphorically to describe a hardened, insensitive attitude. The '-ly' suffix transforms 'callous' into an adverb, indicating how an action is performed. Think of a callus on your hand protecting you from pain; similarly, a callous person shields themselves from the emotions of others. It's a hardening, but of the heart, not the skin.

Related Words

Examples

• "The bully callously mocked the student's stutter."
• "The company callously laid off hundreds of employees before the holidays."
• "She callously ignored his pleas for help."
• "He callously dismissed her concerns as unimportant."

Encouragement

Pay attention to instances of callousness in media and real life. Reflect on how it impacts those around you. Using the word 'callously' allows you to precisely describe actions lacking empathy and compassion. Using the word will help you to better consider your own impact on others. 👍

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