callous — showing or having an insensitive and cruel disregard for others
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: showing or having an insensitive and cruel disregard for others
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈkæləs/
Example Sentences
- The CEO's callous decision to fire employees right before Christmas made him look like the Grinch.
- She remained callous to her neighbor's pleas for help, even when their cat was stuck in a tree.
- His callous comment about her cooking was so harsh that even the smoke alarm felt sorry for her.
callous
ADJECTIVE[/ˈkæləs/]
showing or having an insensitive and cruel disregard for others
Cruel disregard for others' suffering
Call us heartless - the callous boss shows no mercy!
In his grand palace, the king's callous heart breeds malice
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'callous' or 'callosus' meaning 'thick-skinned' or 'hardened,' derived from 'callus' which referred to hardened skin or tissue. The word was adopted into English to describe both physical hardness and emotional insensitivity.
Breakdown
callus (hard skin/tissue) + -ous (adjective suffix meaning 'full of' or 'having the quality of') = callous (thick-skinned, insensitive)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The CEO's callous decision to fire employees right before Christmas made him look like the Grinch.”
“She remained callous to her neighbor's pleas for help, even when their cat was stuck in a tree.”
“His callous comment about her cooking was so harsh that even the smoke alarm felt sorry for her.”
“The dictator's callous policies showed complete disregard for human rights.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
Want to master 19,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.