Vocabulary Spotlight
Callous
Part of Speech: Adjective
Definition: Showing or having an insensitive and cruel disregard for others.
“His callous remarks about the tragedy shocked everyone in the room.”
Pronunciation
[kal-uhs]
Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Words
Synonyms
Heartless
Unfeeling
Cold-hearted
Apathetic
Antonyms
Sympathetic
Sensitive
Caring
Empathetic
Related Words
Apathy (noun)
Indifference (noun)
Word Origin
“Callous” originates from the Latin “callosus,” meaning “hard-skinned.” It entered English in the late Middle Ages to describe both physical hardness and a metaphorical hardening of emotions, signifying insensitivity or lack of empathy.
Word Family
Adjective: Callous – Insensitive to others’ feelings.
Noun: Callousness – The quality of being insensitive or unfeeling.
Related Adjective: Callused – Having hardened skin, especially on the hands or feet.
Mnemonics
Cruel Attitude Lacks Love Or Understanding Sincerely
This mnemonic helps recall that a callous person is insensitive and lacks compassion for others.
Industry-specific Usage
Healthcare
In healthcare, a callous attitude toward patients can harm patient trust and the overall quality of care, emphasizing the need for empathy in caregiving roles.
Business
In business, leaders displaying callous behavior toward employees can lead to a toxic work environment and decreased morale.
Literature
In literature, callous characters often serve as antagonists, providing a stark contrast to empathetic or heroic figures.
In Context
In everyday situations, callous behavior can cause conflict or alienation, as people value empathy and understanding in relationships.
In education, a callous approach by educators can discourage students, making them feel undervalued or overlooked.
In historical accounts, leaders who exhibited callous disregard for their citizens often faced criticism or opposition from the public.